Long Holidays, 8,000 People Vacation To Tourist Attractions In Banyuwangi

JAKARTA - The Culture and Tourism Office of Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, recorded that around 8,000 tourists visited a number of tourist objects in the easternmost region of Java Island on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday November 1.

"But, last Thursday, October 29, tourists reached 14,000 people. This trend continues to rise every day during this week's joint holiday. We continue to update the data from each manager of the tourist attraction," said the Head of the Banyuwangi Regency Culture and Tourism Office MY Bramuda. quoted from Antara, Monday 2 November.

He explained that the thousands of tourists visiting Banyuwangi on holidays to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW were dominated from outside the region. They visited favorite objects in Banyuwangi, such as Pulau Merah Beach, Bangsring Underwater, and Tamansuruh Agro Tourism.

Maya Subagio, owner of Didu's Homestay Banyuwangi, admitted that during this week's long holiday, his residence is fully occupied by guests from out of town. They spent the holidays at the homestay on the outskirts of Rejosari Village, Glagah District.

"Many out-of-town guests have booked our rooms since a few days earlier. We are sure that the condition of tourism in Banyuwangi is starting to recover gradually, thus bringing sustenance for us, homestays owned by the people," said Maya.

The management of Hotel Kalibaru Cottage Banyuwangi also acknowledged that the accommodation experienced a surge in occupancy during this week's long holiday.

The hotel, which is located in the Banyuwangi-Jember border area, is about 70 minutes from the center of Banyuwangi City, offering a panoramic view of Mount Raung.

"Alhamdulillah, 80 percent of our hotels are occupied. Some are from Surabaya, Madura and surrounding districts. Even mid-November, some have fully booked our hotel from out of town," said the leader of Hotel Kalibaru Cottage Wartono.

Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Banyuwangi, Zaenal Muttaqin, stated that the increase in room occupancy in a number of hotels in the area nicknamed The Sunrise of Java has occurred since October 28, 2020, and continues to increase during the holiday period.

"It was recorded that from 28 to 30 October 2020, Aston Hotels experienced the highest increase in occupancy since the pandemic, up to 97 percent. Other hotels are 70 to 90 percent, and even jasmine hotels have also increased their occupancy," he said.

Zaenal admits that he is optimistic that occupancy will continue to increase, and a fantastic number to achieve during these five days (long holiday together).