The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, invited Bali’s tourism business owners and stakeholders to discuss the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to strategize plans going forward.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
“I want to hear from tourism businesses and stakeholders about the obstacles faced during this challenging situation, namely COVID-19,” Uno said in a written statement, on Monday (28/12).
After visiting the island, Uno analyzed the effects of increasing unemployment in Bali as many have lost their jobs and livelihoods due to the conditions brought forth by the pandemic.
Accordingly, residents of Bali have resorted to spending their savings and selling their assets in order to survive.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
He urged all tourism stakeholders to overcome difficulties by acting fast with new strategies.
“We must ensure that we move quickly, so that the hospitality and tourism economy in Bali can survive with policies that are full of innovation, adaptation, and collaboration,” said Uno.
The Chairman of Indonesia Inbound Tour Operator Association (IINTOA), Paul Edmundus Talo, said that although tourism businesses have been losing income since March, they have no choice but to continue expenditure in order to maintain their property.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
Talo requested the central government to reopen for international tourists to stimulate the economy.
“I suggest reinstating the Visa On Arrival (VoA) to international tourists, just as Malaysia and Thailand recently did to recover their tourism sector,” Talo added.
He plans to organize Bali and Beyond Travel Fair in June of 2021, an event to boost Indonesian Tourism.
The Chairman seeks the support of the Tourism Minister in promoting this event to the global market in hopes to expedite economic recovery for the future.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
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