Wakatobi to Welcome Back Visitors Starting in July 2020

KENDARI, KOMPAS.com – Wakatobi is set on welcoming local and international visitors in July 2020, said the provincial government.

Since the first Covid-19 cases in Indonesia were announced on March 2 up until June, Wakatobi has had nearly zero tourist arrivals.

This led to air transportation coming to a complete halt.

Read also: Airlines and Hotels in Indonesia Need 2 Years to Recover Post Pandemic

“We are expecting visits from domestic and international travelers at the earliest July 2020. Travelers must remain mindful of Covid-19 health protocols,” said Head of Wakatobi Province Tourism Nadar on June 22.

Tour operators in Bali and Jakarta have often asked when Wakatobi will reopen to tourists, said Nadar.

Read also: Bali Strives to Diversify Its Economy and Rely Less on Tourism

“Recently, the government through the district and provincial branch’s Covid-19 Task Force proposed the reopening of Wakatobi at the soonest."

The reopening includes the enforcement of Covid-19 health protocols, added Nadar.

Wings Air has opened one flight from Haluoleo Kendari Airport to Matahora Wakatobi. There are also two flights to and from Denpasar, Bali to Tomia Airport every week.

“Tourists who will come to Wakatobi can do so by air or sea. They can take a ferry from Baubau or a fast boat called the Jet Liner,” said Nadar.

The Wakatobi provincial government’s data from January to February 2020 listed around 28,000 tourists including 6,000 international visitors.

Other tourist destinations ready to reopen

The Wakatobi provincial government’s desire to reopen its tourism sector is in keeping with similar calls from Indonesia’s other regions.

Although Indonesia’s most popular destination of Bali remains closed to tourists and is in no rush to reopen, other places have reopened.