I think we should first focus on domestic tourists.Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) highlighted the need for tourism operators in Indonesia to firstly channel greater attention to domestic tourists following the government’s application of a new normal order in the tourism sector.
"I think we should first focus on domestic tourists," he noted during a limited meeting on a new normal in the tourism sector via a virtual conference at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday.
To this end, Jokowi issued an instruction to identify regions or tourist destination areas, with a relatively low rate of COVID-19 transmission.
The president is upbeat about a reproduction number (RO), or (Rt), of less than one in some tourist destinations.
"If that is the case, we can gradually open the tourism sector (tourist destinations). However, once again, they must apply stringent protocols," he remarked.
The head of state gave specific instructions to the minister of tourism and creative economy to prepare COVID-19-free domestic tourism programs to attract domestic tourists.
The head of state further highlighted the significance of promotional campaign for local products by offering safe tourist attractions.
"Once again. Please tighten (security) on the field before opening them, so that both domestic and foreign tourists can holiday safely, and members of the community, particularly tourism agents, can conduct productive activities," he added.
Related news: New normal rules to hasten tourism recovery: task force
Related news: Indonesians asked to prepare for new normal
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Hanni Sofia/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
