Tourism Managers In Bali Consider 8-Day Quarantine For Foreign Tourists A Burden

BADUNG - The opening of international flights at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali, on October 14 was warmly welcomed by the management of tourism objects on the Island of the Gods.

But the manager of the tourism object asked the government to review the mandatory 8-day quarantine for foreign travelers. The policy is considered to be a burden for foreign tourists.

Bendesa Adat Kuta Wayan Wasista predicts that there will not be many foreign tourist visits to Kuta Beach, Badung Regency, Bali because of the regulation.

"I think that for the initial stage, I can't guarantee that it will explode. Because the rules are very difficult for tourists. Even though they can be opened internationally, they are required to isolate or quarantine for 8 days," Wasista said when contacted, Wednesday, October 6.

"Could it be, later it will be considered as quarantine tourism. Yes, maybe that's what they think. Moreover, their own costs are very burdensome for them," he added.

However, it is acknowledged that the quarantine rules are indeed needed to ensure that foreign tourists who enter are not exposed to COVID-19.

"The government is obliged to do that not to be too free. The government also thinks that it is too free," said Wasista.

"It will be evaluated in a few weeks or a few months. Maybe it can be reduced. Maybe 5 days after that, maybe a day. Now they come isolated with PCR if they pass. If it's a day, I'm sure it will explode," continued Wasista.

The same thing was conveyed by the Head of the Division of Promotion and Development of Tanah Lot Tourism Objects, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Kadek Niti. He requested that the 8-day quarantine rule for foreign tourists be reviewed.

"We support the government's policy, with the opening of international flights. Although for Bali only six countries have opened direct flights. We certainly hope that this will have a positive impact on foreign tourist visits, especially to DTW Tanah Lot," he said.

"But in our opinion, maybe we can review the quarantine period for foreign tourists after arriving in Bali, which is 8 days, it seems too long. If possible, it can be minimized, maybe only up to three days. Because apart from that, they have to do a PCR test first," he said. Niti.