Reviving Asia-Pacific Tourism is Touch and Go amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Authorities restricted public activities, closed the airport and shuttered all shops, bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

Limits were eased beginning three weeks ago, and visitors will face stringent rules in hotels, restaurants, and beaches.

The island that’s home to more than 4 million people, attracted more than 6 million tourists from abroad and 10 million from Indonesia last year, according to government data.

According to Indonesia’s Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister, Luhut Pandjaitan, the tourism sector has lost an estimated $500 million due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The government will waive taxes for hoteliers and restaurants in 10 promoted destinations for the next six months.

Local governments will be compensated by the central government for the loss of taxes, which is estimated to total $230 million.

In Australia, Kapernick said keeping Queensland Covid-19-free was more important to the struggling tourism industry than letting in more holidaymakers.

“What will send businesses to the wall quicker is if we don't control these outbreaks that are happening now and we find ourselves in a situation like (hot spot state) Victoria,” Brett Kapernick said. 

(Writer: Rod McGuirk) 

Source: https://apnews.com/9439258ed4ba433ec9266d3fc9a7d2fe