Following the new government regulation on domestic entry requirements, hospitality and tourism in Bali is facing a heavy decline in bookings.
The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) announced that USD $22.4 million (IDR 317 billion) have since been refunded for trip cancelations from domestic tourists.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
The Head of PHRI, Hariyadi Sukamdani said the surge in cancelations was a result of the newly instated requirement of PCR test upon air travel entry, and rapid antigen test for entry by land.
“According to CNN Indonesia, as of Wednesday evening (16/12), 133,000 passengers have refunded their tickets. The situation is ten times worse than under normal conditions” said Hariyadi during an event to sign a memorandum of understanding with Air Asia on Wednesday (16/12).
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
Online Travel Agents (OTA’s) said that as of Wednesday evening, a total of USD $22.4 (IDR 317 billion) has been refunded. He added that the new decree has heavily impacted the economic state in Bali, as the province might lose at least USD $68.3 million (IDR 967 billion) in revenue from domestic tourism.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
Hariyadi says he appreciates and supports all effort from the government in preventing virus transmission during the holiday season in Bali. Yet he reminds the government to consider the chain effect caused on the local community whose livelihood is dependent on tourism.
“It would be much better if the government communicated their plans with the business sector before enforcing new policies, so we can also share our constructive opinion” Hariyadi concluded.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
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