Change Comes to Bali Tourism

KOMPAS/COKORDA YUDISTIRA

Tourist activity at Kuta Beach, Badung, Bali, Wednesday (9/3/2022), stretched as international flights returned to Bali.i.

The government’s move to reopen Bali’s borders to foreign tourists without imposing quarantine has been welcomed. We must be ready for change.

Data from state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura has shown an increase in domestic and international flights and passengers to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (Kompas, 22/3/2022). Although the number of domestic and foreign arrivals is still far below the figures before the Covid-19 pandemic, this gives a ray of hope for the recovery of the tourism industry in Bali and Indonesia.

This recovery must be followed by awareness that the tourism industry is changing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, climate concerns and sustainability issues. The demand for good awareness over environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues has prompted change towards a new direction.

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Businesses in the travel and tour sector, ranging from accommodation to transportation, dining venues and tourist attractions, need to ensure that maintaining health and hygiene is a key priority. Organizers in the tourism industry must also pay close attention to public demands and be inclusive.

It is projected that international travel will mostly involve visitors from regional countries due to the pandemic and climate change. The situation is a perfect opportunity to attract tourists from the Asia-Pacific region if we can understand and meet their demands, including in shopping.

KOMPAS/NINA SUSILO

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and Mrs Wury and their entourage took a morning walk on the shores of Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, Tuesday (15/3/2022) morning..

In addition to its natural wealth, Bali is popular for its culture and customs. The lifestyle of the people who follow the Hindu belief of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony between human beings and God, between people as well as humans and the environment, is in line with the contemporary spirit. A tourism industry that is inclusive and involves community participation and possesses environmental awareness, a tolerant community, sustainable waste management, and rejects the use of plastic bags, is greatly valued in Bali.

Bali can be a magnet for attracting tourists to other priority tourist destinations that have been developed by the government. Lombok, which has been developed over the last seven years to receive surplus tourists from Bali, recently hosted the 2022 Indonesia Grand Prix.

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There are also the tourist destinations of Toba (North Sumatra), Likupang (North Sulawesi), Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Tenggara) and Borobudur (Central Java). The government needs to consistently prepare the local people in relatively newly developed tourist destinations to welcome visitors. It is also important to improve the infrastructure and supporting facilities to ensure the comfort of tourists.

We need to remain aware that many other countries are also aiming to attract as many tourists as possible. The support of sectors outside tourism is thus very important so tourism in Bali, and in Indonesia as a whole, remains competitive. Good and reliable services on setting foot in Indonesia will determine the successful development of the tourism industry in this new era.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.