Durian. The number of domestic tourists who have visited Indonesia’s Bali starts growing after the provincial island reopening its gates on July 31, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office Astawa Putu said.
“The number of visit to Bali has increased 15 percent since the reopening [of entrance gates] to [domestic] tourists three days ago,” Putu told thebigdurian.news by telephone on August 3.
He said the increase was mainly seen in the number of arrival at the Ngurah Rai International Airport which is usually only 1,700-1,800 daily during the covid-19 pandemic, rising to 2,400 people per day.
Before the pandemic, he said, Bali was able to have more than 15,000 tourists per day. 11,000 of them were international travelers.
“At the present, [Bali is] only [opened for] domestic tourists, for international [visitors] is still closed,” he said
According to the plan, Bali will open its international gates in September 2020.
“This is a breath of fresh air and a new hope for the Balinese economy, especially for small industries which are severely affected by the pandemic because the sustainability of their business depends on tourism,” Putu explained.
The provincial authority has yet set target on the number of domestic and international arrival in the near future.
“I want the tourism to grow by [considering] health protocols. That is the key word…We want to build the world trust on Bali as the safe [place] to visit, so there is no second wave of pandemic, ”he said.
Some tourist destinations in Bali have opened to welcome visitors such as Pandawa Beach, Tanah Lot, Kuta Beach, Jimbaran and Garuda Wsinu Kencana park.
