9 Cruise Ships Ready To Bring Foreign Tourists To Lombok

LOMBOK BARAT - PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) III Sheet Branch has received registrations for plans to visit nine cruise ships carrying foreign tourists to travel on Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara from February to December 2022.

"There are already nine cruise ships that have registered to visit Lombok, but this is a temporary list, there could be more because it is outside the cruise ship for the Mandalika MotoGP," said General Manager of Pelindo III Sheet Branch, Baharuddin, at Lembar Harbor, West Lombok Regency, as quoted by Antara, Thursday, January 6.

He mentioned as many as nine cruise ships that will dock at Gili Mas Terminal Lembar Harbor in 2022, namely the Golden Horizon Ship on February 17, Norwegian Spirit on April 11, Royal Princes on September 5, Star Brezee on October 27, and the second Star Brezee on 29 October.

In addition, the Viking Orion is scheduled to arrive on November 23, Nordam (Westerdam) on December 12, Viking Mars on December 12, and Vasco Dagamma on December 31.

"On average, the cruise ship carries 1,500 to 2,000 passengers. There is even one 330 meter long ship that can carry 5,000 foreign tourists," said Baharuddin.

Even though he has registered to visit, Baharuddin admits that he cannot confirm whether all ships that will carry foreign tourists can be given an arrival permit by the central government.

"From our point of view, the port only facilitates arrivals, if there are regulatory issues, it goes back to the government," he said.

However, Baharuddin hopes that the government can consider granting an arrival permit while still meeting the required standards, especially those related to the COVID-19 health protocol.

Because, continued Baharuddin, the arrival of every cruise ship with thousands of foreign tourists can have a direct economic impact on people who are still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"All components will be able to have a positive impact, both travel, micro, small and medium enterprises, the tourism industry and other sectors," he said.