How official data explain Flores’ economy beyond tourism

Flores’ official economic picture is broader than tourism: agriculture, fisheries, services and investment all contribute, while provincial output continues to be measured through regular statistics. The clearest current benchmark is Nusa Tenggara Timur’s economy, which grew 4.88 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2025, according to BPS NTT, 2025.

How fast is the wider Flores economy growing?

BPS NTT reported economic growth of 4.88 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2025. The figure covers Nusa Tenggara Timur province rather than Flores alone, so it is a provincial benchmark, not a standalone Flores growth rate.

What does official data count?

The province’s statistical yearbook brings together population, employment, agriculture, industry, trade, transport, tourism and other indicators. BPS published Nusa Tenggara Timur Province in Figures 2025 on 2025-02-28, using official statistical and administrative data for the province.

Where does investment appear on Flores?

Provincial investment records for 2025 list district-level realisation. Flores Timur recorded Rp23,420,507,392, while Ngada recorded Rp26,936,578,617, according to the NTT Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office, 2025.

Those figures are investment realisation recorded by district, not total economic output and not a measure of household income. They also should not be combined into a Flores-wide total without a complete district table and a defined geographic method.

What role does tourism play?

BPS tourism statistics show that accommodation occupancy varies significantly across destinations. In data for 2023, Manggarai Barat had a recorded hotel-room occupancy rate of 38.67 percent, followed by Flores Timur at 29.79 percent, according to BPS NTT, 2025.

That comparison describes registered accommodation occupancy, not the number of visitors, total tourism spending or the performance of every tourism business. It nevertheless shows why Labuan Bajo and other Flores destinations should be read through separate indicators rather than a single tourism number.

Sources

• Badan Pusat Statistik Provinsi
• Dinas Penanaman Modal dan PTSP Provinsi NTT