JAKARTA, Cilacap.info English – The spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has brought tourism sector to a screeching halt, resulting in collapse of tourism-related industries comprising aviation, hotel, restaurant, and other travel and hospitality businesses worldwide.
With COVID-19 pandemic lingering on since early this year, several nations are currently migrating at a measured pace, from crises management to recovery efforts, especially to brea new life into tourism sector that has been foremost and worst affected by COVID-19 outbreak.
Indonesia is one of nations that is keen to initiate efforts to usher in recovery in their tourism and hospitality industries that have been dealt a debilitating blow by COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, Indonesia’s several regions registered no tourist arrivals, thereby leaving hotels, travel agents, and related services with no choice but to close down.
As government announced a plan to transition from large-scale social distancing measures (PSBB) to new normal concept, several regions are also prepping to revive tourism industry.
Bali, one of world’s most popular resor islands, in cooperation with Tourism Creative Economy Ministry, is currently preparing health protocols for tourism in new normal.
However, Bali provincial administration is yet to take a decision on when to reopen island for tourists.
However, if it is decided to reopen it gradually, local government will be selective in receiving international tourists and will enforce stringent health protocols.
“At onset, we will focus on domestic market, but once international market opens, we expect tourists from nearby countries, such as Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam,” I Putu Winastra, secretary of Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) of Bali chapter, had remarked recently.
The Nusa Dua area of Bali is set to be pilot area for “new normal” scenario in tourism sector, he noted.
Nusa Dua was selected for pilot project based on its strategic and exclusive location, thereby facilitating easier monitoring coupled with several supporting facilities, including accommodation, amenities, and a hospital of international standard.
Health protocols and standard operational procedures will be enforced when tourists arrive at airport, during their tour, and right until they fly back to their countries of origin.
In meantime, regional CEO for Greater Jakarta Region at PT Garuda Indonesia, M. Yansverio, echoed airline’s readiness to support industry and government in developing tourism in Bali once government decides to reopen area for tourism.
“To welcome new normal, Garuda Indonesia has applied protocols of cleanliness, health, and safety (CHS) and explained about requirements that must be met by air travelers,” he informed.
In meantime, Chairman of People Consultative Assembly (MPR), Bambang Soesatyo, has urged government to review its visa exemption policy for tourists to prevent mass spread of COVID-19 infections once tourism sector reopens.
The visa-free policy must be reviewed, particularly for countries prone to COVID-19,” Soesatyo stated during a webinar recently.
Indonesia must strictly scrutinize foreign tourists and ensure they are free from novel coronavirus disease, he added.
In addition to Bali, other regions making preparations for tourism recovery comprise Aceh, Jakarta, Central Java, and North Sulawesi.
The tourism industry in Aceh Province is ready to embrace new normal amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Azwani Awi, chairperson of Indonesian Association of Tourism Businessmen (ASPPI) of Aceh branch, remarked.
Tourist destinations that have abided by requisite health protocols in new normal include an urban forest park in Langsa City that, in fact, reopened since Eid al-Fitr (May 24) after been closed since early March 2020.
To prevent transmission of COVID-19, park applies government-set health protocols that necessitate every visitor to wear a mask and maintain a safe distance from one another.
“Of course, every visitor undergoes body temperature screening. During this process, identity of visitors is checked. Thus, if there is a confirmed COVID-19 case, patient travel history can be tracked,” he expounded.
The Sabang municipality, Aceh, has also permitted to reopen its marine resor and resume operations of modes of sea transportation to Sabang on Weh Island by adhering to health protocols.
The decision was stipulated in Sabang Mayor Circular Letter No. 440/3111 on June 1, 2020, Bahru Fikri, Sabang municipality administrations spokesman, stated.
“Fast boats and ro-ro ferry operate one-round trip per day, with a maximum passenger limit of 50 percent of normal capacity of ship, and they must apply COVID-19 health protocols,” he explained.
Local tourists are required to hold Sabang ID cards and undergo medical checkups at seaport. It is necessary for tourists coming from outside Sabang to carry along health certificates issued by hospital, community health center, or other health clinic.
The Sabang coastal town, located on Indonesia westernmost island of Weh, is a tourism icon of Aceh Province owing to its scenic marine panorama.
Sabang has become a preferred location for marine tourism lovers for engaging in various activities, including diving, snorkeling, fishing, sun-bathing, and visiting interesting spots.
Weh Island is exotic and romantic, as it is surrounded by several small islets. Moreover, its strategic location, Weh Island, located between Indian Ocean and Malacca Strait, is easily accessible by both domestic and foreign tourists.
In addition to Aceh, North Sulawesi is ready to embrace new normal in tourism sector.
Deputy Governor of North Sulawesi Steven Kandouw highlighted need for tourism businesses to continue regardless of limitations owing to pandemic.
“Demonstrate to potential domestic and international tourists that North Sulawesi is safe because it applies COVID-19 protocols. Hence, hotels must implement those protocols,” he remarked.
Tourism is a lifeline to millions, particularly in developing world. Hence, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) believes that opening world up to tourism again will save jobs, protect livelihoods, and enable sector to resume its vital role in driving sustainable development.
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