Bali Tourism Awaits Government Nod for Foreign Arrivals

KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s resort island of Bali is ready to reopen its doors to foreign arrivals starting from September 11.

The plan, however, can only be implemented after the central government will no longer ban foreign tourists from entering the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“The minister of law and human rights is still not allowing foreign tourists to visit Indonesia,” said the head of the Bali Tourism Office Putu Astawa during a virtual press conference on the ninth anniversary of Tiket.com on August 12.

“As long as the regulation is still in place, the plan to reopen Bali [to foreign arrivals] on September 11 cannot be realized,” said Putu, referring to the Ministerial Regulation No. 11/2020 on the temporary prohibition of foreigners entering Indonesia.

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Although the reopening of Bali tourism to foreign tourists is still in the planning stage, Putu said that Bali Province is ready to welcome them.

“Hotels in Nusa Dua and Sanur are relatively safe and comfortable. If you need a vacation or self-isolation, it's very safe and ideal,” he said.

He said the number of domestic tourists in Bali is starting to increase. Tourist destinations in Bali began to reopen to its residents and local tourists on July 9 and Jul 31, respectively. This has led an increase in the number of flights to Bali.

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“The number of visitors via air travel has increased around 2,000 to 2,500 people per day since July 31. Hopefully, the number will always go up,” he said.

As for the movement of domestic tourists entering Bali by land via Gilimanuk port, Putu said the number is still unclear because they are mixed with traders and Balinese returning home.

Since Bali tourism has been slowly reopened, tourists make their way to beaches, lakes, botanical gardens, and mountainous areas. Among the popular beaches during the new normal include Pandawa, Kuta and Sanur.

The tourism operators also actively familiarize the health protocols to members of the public.
“Most importantly, we motivate the people that Bali must rise again. Hopefully, the Covid-19 curve will be flattened soon so that the daily activities can be back to normal,” said Putu.

Sharing a similar sentiment was Bali Governor Wayan Koster. He expressed hope that the ministerial regulation will be revised by the minister. He said many countries are still implementing travel restrictions and bans during the coronavirus pandemic.

Visitors are urged to comply with the health protocols to contain the spread of the coronavirus by wearing a mask, washing hands properly with soap, maintaining physical distancing, and staying at home if unwell.

(Writer: Nabilla Ramadhian | Editor: Anggara Wikan Prasetya)

Source:https://travel.kompas.com/read/2020/08/13/161500127/bali-siap-sambut-wisman-september-2020-tetapi-?page=1.