Indonesia, Malaysia Team Up to Win the Trust of Travelers

KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has struck a partnership with Malaysia as the ASEAN founding members attempt to win back tourists post-pandemic.

The ministry's Deputy of Marketing Nia Niscaya said that Indonesia and Malaysia must show the world that they have mitigated the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

As part of the bilateral cooperation, Nia Niscaya underlined the importance of both countries to concretely control the Covid-19 virus.

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“This is something important in order to build trust among tourists for each respective country. Trust is the new currency in the new normal,” Nia Niscaya stated.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged both Indonesia and Malaysia, it has pushed both ASEAN countries to work together.

The creation of a tourism corridor between both countries has been the fruit of such labor.

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The coronavirus pandemic has changed tourist behavior post-pandemic, tourists are expected to prefer short-haul travels.

The close proximity of Malaysia makes it an ideal partner to reignite international tourism.

Malaysia is one of Indonesia’s biggest markets in terms of international tourists.

In 2019, Indonesia recorded around 2.09 million tourists from Malaysia.

This adds greater significance for Indonesia and Malaysia to partner up and revive their tourism sectors post-pandemic.

“Indonesia and Malaysia have a long history of partnerships in several sectors especially tourism,” said Nia Niscaya.

Until the borders of both ASEAN countries reopen, Malaysia will focus on its domestic market through the government’s ongoing programs.

Health protocol preparation

Indonesia’s tourism ministry has prepared a handbook designed for stakeholders in the tourism and the creative economy sectors.

The handbook, titled "Cleanliness, Health, and Safety," takes reference from the global standards of Covid-19-related health protocols.

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It contains more detailed protocols than those drafted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. The application of the handbook is hoped to be able to gain the trust of tourists.

For Nia Niscaya, gaining the trust or confidence is the key to a fast recovery hence must be given attention then implemented.

Malaysia has received the full support of the country’s tourism industry stakeholders to take advantage of various digital platforms.

These channels will be used to enforce health protocols, surveillance purposes, and for promotional campaigns.

“Malaysia has enjoyed the partnership with Indonesia all these years and is committed to improving upon it in the future,” said Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Art, and Culture, Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri. 

(Writer: Inang Jalaludin Shofihara | Editor: Mikhael Gewati) 

Source: https://travel.kompas.com/read/2020/06/20/202639327/indonesia-malaysia-kerja-sama-di-bidang-pariwisata-untuk-dapatkan-kepercayaan