On 3 February, Bali welcomed its first direct international flight in nearly two years, in the clearest sign yet that Indonesia’s most popular tourism destination is ready to bounce back. The landmark flight from flag carrier Garuda Indonesia arrived from Japan’s Narita International Airport, with 12 people on board, each carrying business visas. They became the first of many expected to return to the Island of the Gods in 2022.
Bali opened to select countries – including Japan, China and New Zealand – back in October of last year, but visitors have since been slow to arrive, largely due to an lack of available flights. However, with plans underway for regular flight schedules, the government announced in late January that Bali would open to citizens of all countries. For the time being, Indonesia still requires vaccinated travellers to quarantine for five days upon arrival.
Singapore Airlines recently confirmed they would resume daily flights to Bali from 16 February onwards. Indonesia’s neighbour has also been granted access to Batam and Bintan in the Riau Islands, as part of a travel bubble scheme that will allow travellers to stay quarantine-free on the islands. The pilot project is expected to be expanded to other destinations nationwide, as Indonesia continues to lift restrictions and reopen the tourism sector to international arrivals.
Indonesia is currently preparing for a busy schedule of elite international sporting events and political summits in the year ahead: the MotoGP championship, which will be held in March; and the G-20 Summit, scheduled to take place in Bali this November. Both events are expected to boost arrivals and interest in Indonesian travel in the months ahead.
In more good news for the MICE sector, coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy recently confirmed the 2022 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) will be held in Bali. Featuring delegations from 193 countries, who will visit tourist destinations and enjoy various cultural attractions on the island, the event is another great opportunity to demonstrate Indonesia’s readiness for international tourism to the world.
Preparations for this tourism revival continue to make safe and steady progress towards full reopening. Last month, Indonesian authorities removed all 14 nations that had previously been on its travel ban list, meaning travellers from countries including South Africa and the UK were permitted to enter from 12 January onwards, according to a statement by the Covid-19 Task Force.
Last month, Indonesia participated in the 2022 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), held in Cambodia from 17-20 January. Industry sectors from 10 ASEAN member countries joined in the event, held at Sokha Beach Resort in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The theme of the event was A Community of Peace and Shared Future. Tourism representatives from Indonesia chose Mandalika as the central theme of their promotions. which will host the MotoGP in Lombok next month.
In preparation for the event, which will take place from 18-20 March in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia’s government is speeding up the construction of new roads, lodgings, tourist facilities and other local infrastructure. Developers have prepared additional 300 homestays, in addition to the 16,000 existing hotel rooms in Lombok, in order to accommodate the influx of international tourists. Campgrounds and other accommodation are also being prepared in neighbouring Bali and in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara.
Panorama Destination Indonesia News:
Panorama Destination Indonesia has continued to operate throughout the pandemic, working alongside government officials in our branch offices in Medan, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali and Labuan Bajo. We are working closely with local government, international experts and colleagues in the tourism sector to ensure the health and safety of travellers.
We have partnered with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as part of the ‘Safe Travels’ campaign. Approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these protocols provide a standardised service and protective measures across multiple sectors, including hospitality, attractions, outdoor retail, aviation, airports, cruises, convention centres and MICE. Panorama Destination has also participated in and completed the CHSE inspection process, and has been awarded ‘Excellence’ status by MOTCE, having successfully fulfilled 91% of the indicators in the CHSE programme.
Our Bali office been certified by the Bali Regional Government, in response to its implementation of safety protocols in preparation for the New Normal. This rigorous certification will also help guide our compliance with cleanliness, health and safety, and environmental issues.
Panorama Destination will continue to provide the latest breaking news regarding Covid-19 and its impact on tourism via our social media channels:
