Tourist Must be Responsible, Minister Urges As Bali Continues with Reopening

An Indonesian Officials is advising travelers to follow all health protocols in Bali as the island continues its reopening for domestic tourists in hopes of saving the battered economy. National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa assured the public on Tuesday that the island is safe for tourists and that the local officials and businesses are taking unprecedented steps to prevent COVID-19 transmission. 

“We wanted to ensure that Indonesian people can go ahead and travel, but do not become lax in terms of implementing health protocols and also avoid being overly fearful, though remain alert,” Monoarfa emphasized. As Bali reopened for domestic tourists on Friday, an estimated 4,000 passengers reportedly arrived at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Tourism is among the sectors hit hardest by the pandemic as people stay at home and limit traveling to avoid catching the virus. Bali has lost an estimated Rp 48.5 trillion (US$3.33 billion) in tourism revenue between March and July, making the reopening a much-awaited move. Bali Tourism Agency head Putu Aswata on Monday reported a surge in airport arrivals since the reopening. “Based on our observation at the airport, it seems there has been an increase of around 15 to 17 percent in arrivals,” Putu said as quoted by Kompas. Putu said the agency recorded 2,128 domestic tourist arrivals through the island’s main airport on Friday. On Saturday, the number of arrivals declined to 1,847, before jumping to 2,419 on Sunday.

Source :thebalisun.com