As tourists worldwide rejoice that the World Health Organisation has formally dismissed the Public Health Emergency of International Concern for Covid-19, a Bali-based economist advocates for this opportunity to be capitalised on as a breakthrough moment. Although the public health policy had been in place for over a year, people worldwide had become accustomed to living with the virus. Bali officials are optimistic that tourism will continue flourishing after this announcement, which has been positively welcomed there.
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, reiterated on its social media channels that visitors over the age of eighteen must receive the full dosage of the Covid-19 vaccination to enter Indonesia unless they are exempt due to medical need and have a doctor’s certificate.
An economist from Bali’s National Education University named Professor Dr. Ida Bagus Raka Suardana informed the media that he thinks the island’s tourist industry would experience tremendous growth due to the international emergency designation being lifted.
In addition to the news, he said that major improvements in Bali’s tourist administration are essential.
He said, “This [status change from the WHO] will play a big role and have a positive impact because many people will visit.” He pointed out that the WHO’s decision to withdraw the worldwide pandemic designation will encourage travel and promote people’s freedom of movement.
Prof. Dr. Suardana concurred with Governor Koster’s remarks on the necessity for Bali to promote quality tourism in the future.
The economist suggested that eliminating the international emergency designation might be a turning point as the island attempts to attract tourists at levels seen before the outbreak this year. To attract high-calibre visitors to Bali, he continued, “When mobility returns to normal, this [tourism in Bali] must be sold at a high price.” The economist most important recommendation is to raise the price of the international visitor’s visa upon arrival.
Prof. Dr. Suardana opined that the cost of the visa on arrival should be increased to attract higher-calibre tourists to Bali and bolster the island’s economy. The economist said, “At the moment, international tourists are welcome to enter wearing, for instance, flip-flops. Since their expenditures are low and they can travel to Bali, the economy hasn’t been affected.”
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