, one of ‘s most sought-after travel destinations, was originally slated to welcome tourists back in September. However, due to a surge in daily new coronavirus cases, the local government has chosen to postpone international tourism until 2021.
The Indonesian island, which shut its borders and suspended its visas-on-arrival policy in March, initially achieved some success in controlling the outbreak with relatively low infection rates. Consequently, the tourism board had hoped to reopen the island’s prime vacation spots to both local and international tourists starting September 11. Nevertheless, in a recent announcement, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster confirmed that international tourism will now be delayed until 2021.
“The Indonesian government continues to enforce a policy prohibiting its citizens from traveling abroad until at least the end of 2020. Consequently, the government cannot open its borders to foreign tourists until the end of 2020, as the country remains in a red zone category. The current situation in Indonesia is not yet conducive for the welcoming of foreign tourists, inclusive of those wishing to visit Bali,” the statement read.
According to the New York Times, Mr. Koster also noted that many potential international travelers remain subject to travel restrictions imposed by their home countries. This includes , which has been a significant contributor to Bali’s tourism, accounting for approximately 1.23 million international tourists last year. Given the current circumstances, Australia’s travel bans are expected to last into 2021.
Bali stands as one of Indonesia’s key tourist destinations. Therefore, to safely resume tourism services that have been available to local tourists since July, a new Cleanliness, Health, and Safety (CHS) program has been introduced. This program sets forth enhanced health and hygiene standards in an effort to restore visitors’ confidence in Bali as a secure travel destination when it eventually opens to a broader audience next year.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted Bali’s tourism-dependent workforce, with nearly all tourist destinations, attractions, and facilities closed since the state of emergency began in March. Indeed, I Ketut Ardana, head of Bali’s branch of the Indonesian National Organisation for Tours and Travel (ASITA), stated to the ABC: “80% of people in Bali rely on tourism, either directly or indirectly. All of us in the industry are currently facing significant challenges, and we are anxiously awaiting the end of this pandemic.”
This article was initially published on May 19 and has been updated as of August 24, 2020.
