UNWTO consultant Robert Travers undertook an exploratory mission to Fujian Province in August 2017, as part of his Maritime Silk Road research.

UNWTO Maritime Silk Road consultant Robert Travers visited Jakarta and South Sumatra in early September 2017. The visit was at the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism, which is a keen advocate of the tourism potential of the Maritime Silk Road. The Spice Islands (Maluku) in particular have played a key role in the history of maritime trade with Europe.