"I see how in those places, vaccination is always pushed; of course, in collaboration with regional governments and local Tourism Offices," he said when contacted in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The tourism industry players have shown enthusiasm as well by seeking schedules and venues of mass vaccination programs, he added.
With people choosing to get vaccinated, hopes have emerged for the tourism industry's recovery, he remarked.
Rahmadi urged recently opened tourism spots to consistently follow the health protocols with a disciplined approach to prevent the emergence of new COVID-19 clusters.
"Nowadays, tourism areas need to be brave, to learn how to live with COVID-19," he remarked.
The changes to the tourism culture in terms of adhering to the health protocols has been predicted to change the decision-making process of prospective tourists, with tourists opting to go to places where possibility of contracting COVID-19 is the minimum, Rahmadi observed.
"The tendency of tourists (now is) to look for places close to nature, places that are not (involved in) mass tourism. They look for private places, which make them (feel) safe and comfortable,” he explained.
Regarding the threat of revenge tourism or tourism attacks, he said he expects areas that have been tourist favorites to have the courage to meet the tourism carrying capacity.
For example, said Taufan, certain destinations that can usually accommodate one thousand to two thousand visitors are now only catering to 50 percent of their capacity.
"This is what I say, (living) side by side with COVID-19 is the way for us to survive in the midst of a pandemic. Economy goes on and health is maintained, tourists can feel safe, too," he added.
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Translator: M Baqir I A, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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