Aceh – Indonesia, Strengthening cross-regional networks is considered a vital step in addressing the evolving dynamics of the hospitality and tourism industry. This message was highlighted during the 1st Regional Working Meeting (Rakerda) of IHGMA DPD North Sumatra for 2026, held at Hotel GranDhika Setiabudi Medan on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Carrying the theme “Collaborate to Elevate,” the meeting served as a forum to strengthen organizational coordination while creating opportunities for collaboration between hospitality industry players, government bodies, academia, the business sector, media, and the public.
The event was officially opened by the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy of North Sumatra Province. Discussions focused on organizational strengthening and formulating programs to boost the quality of the hospitality and tourism sector in North Sumatra.
Budi Syaiful, Chairman of IHGMA DPD Aceh and General Manager of Hermes Palace Hotel Banda Aceh, attended the event. The presence of IHGMA DPD Aceh was part of an effort to expand communication and networking among IHGMA leadership across provinces.
Budi Syaiful stated that the meeting held significant meaning as a venue to exchange experiences regarding the various challenges faced by the hotel industry in different regions.
“Each region has unique characteristics, potential, and challenges. Through forums like this, we can share experiences and seek solutions that can be developed together,” Budi said.
According to him, the growth of today’s hospitality industry relies not only on individual hotel service excellence. It also requires an interconnected tourism ecosystem involving local governments, business actors, human resources, as well as local communities.
Therefore, Budi encouraged relationships between IHGMA regional boards to extend beyond organizational agendas into practical partnerships that benefit members and regional destination development.
“Collaboration can span many areas, from enhancing HR competencies and knowledge sharing to destination promotion, business network expansion, and programs supporting sustainable tourism,” he explained.
Aceh and North Sumatra Have Room for Collaboration
Budi also identified substantial opportunities for cooperation between Aceh and North Sumatra. Geographical proximity and interconnected tourist market characteristics serve as strong assets for building broader partnerships.
He noted that tourists visiting the Sumatra region often treat multiple areas as part of a single itinerary. This trend creates opportunities for hospitality stakeholders to build more integrated promotional networks and visitor experiences.
“North Sumatra and Aceh possess complementary strengths. We need to build connectivity not just in travel routes, but also in information exchange, human resources, shared experiences, and business opportunities,” Budi expressed.
He added that IHGMA holds a strategic position because its members are hotel leaders directly navigating industry developments every day. This hands-on experience, he noted, can serve as a valuable pool of knowledge to reinforce the hospitality sector.
From Organizational Forums to Joint Action
Meanwhile, the theme “Collaborate to Elevate” was the core message of the 1st Rakerda of IHGMA DPD North Sumatra 2026. Collaboration is expected to move beyond discussions and translate into concrete, sustainable action programs.
Budi Syaiful praised the organization of the event and expressed hope that the results would serve as a foundation for strengthening the organization and impacting the hospitality industry positively.
“The most important aspect following the meeting is implementing our discussions. Good programs must have follow-through that delivers tangible benefits,” he emphasized.
He reiterated that IHGMA DPD Aceh remains open to building communication and collaboration with other IHGMA regional boards across various initiatives related to hospitality and tourism development.
“The core spirit is growing together. As the IHGMA network grows stronger, we gain greater leverage to support each other and contribute to the advancement of Indonesian tourism,” he concluded.