On Thursday, 11 June 2020, a webinar took place between the Governor of Bali, Deputy-Governor, and members of the Dutch Public via the Visit Indonesia Tourism Office (VITO) in Amsterdam.
The webinar was organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy to seek input from the Dutch market and strengthen the role of VITO-Amsterdam in promoting Indonesia in Holland.
As reported by Tribun-Bali.com, Deputy-Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati (Cok Ace), who spoke representing Bali in the Webinar, said he understood the longing of many Dutch people for a Bali holiday.
The Deputy-Governor, who is also the chairman of the Bali branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI-Bali), is often asked by the public and members of the Island’s tourism industry when Bali tourism will reopen for visitors.
Cok Ace explained that when Bali will open again for tourist visitors, could not be fixed until the main criteria set by the National Task Force for Mitigation of the COVID-19 Pandemic is met. Chief is the requirement that a decrease in new cased of COVID-19 can be sustained for two weeks at a rate that is less than 50% of the peak infection period.
Unfortunately, Cok Ace revealed that the spread of COVID-19 infections in Bali has yet to show signs of a steady decline in new cases.
During the webinar, Bali’s Deputy-Governor reviewed the many efforts underway to curb new infections in Bali and prepare the Island’s tourism industry for the challenges of doing business in the “new normal.” These preparations include the introduction of health, hygiene, and safety protocols.
While Bali has not imposed large-scale limitations on free movement, the community of Bali has closed public sites, schools, and businesses to thwart the spread of COVID-19.
Also, special task forces on a provincial and regional level are in operation for the mitigation of COVID-19. Local communities in Bali are deeply involved in activities to discourage unnecessary travel and maintain some degree of physical distancing.
Bali’s airport and seaport are also imposing strict screening procedures requiring PCR swab tests for air passengers and rapid tests for those arriving by sea.
Also participating in the webinar was the Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Nia Niscaya. She said the international online exchange was just one part of the Government’s efforts to stimulate the tourism sector by optimizing the role played by Visit Indonesian Tourism Offices (VITO) in 16 overseas locations.
Niscaya said no effort was being spared by the Tourism Ministry to safeguard the image of Indonesian tourism by sharing the latest information on tourism policies and product updates and raising brand awareness.
The Tourism Ministry has organized webinars in several countries since 11 May 2020, including Holland, Russia, China, South Korean, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, India, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia. During these webinars, main Indonesia tourism destinations are promoted.