JAKARTA - Even though Indonesian tourism is being battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, fortunately there is still good news coming. For several times, Bali's big name as one of the best tourist destinations has again been recognized internationally.
A well-known travel start-up from Germany, Tourlane, last April 8, released the results of their research. Tourlane conducted research on Instagram using a search method of the number of hashtags to find the most popular islands.
As a result, netizens chose Bali Island as the most sought-after destination with a total of 60,473,066 hashtags. What's even more remarkable, that number surpassed Ibiza Island, Spain, in second place with a hashtag of 16,320,328, and the island of Sicily, Italy, in third with a total of 12,974,059 hashtags.
Ibiza Island, or Elvissa in Catalan, is an island on the eastern side of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. Ibiza, for European and American tourists, is the most suitable location for hosting parties, nightlife and a center for electronic music concert events, especially in the summer. Apart from that, Ibiza is also a UNESCO world heritage with a history that can be traced as far back as 1500 BC with the Phoenicians as its inhabitants.
For the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparerkaf) Wishnutama Kusubandio, there is a challenge for the government itself from the appreciation of the outside world. Indonesia must be able to give birth to new Bali-Bali.
So far, Bali has indeed been known in the world as a natural and cultural destination with unquestionable Bali tourist attractions. The attraction of Bali lies in its beautiful landscapes, as well as the unique traditions and culture of its people.
"The strength of tradition and culture in Bali is undoubtedly a reason for tourists to come besides its natural beauty. So it's no wonder, Bali is very popular in the world," Wishnutama wrote in a press release from the Ministry of Tourism, Friday (1/5/2020).
Menparekraf Wishnutama also explained that it is not without homework that Bali's popularity is in demand by tourists. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism trend will change to be more towards tourism which focuses on the health and comfort of tourists.
"We and the people of Bali continue to collaborate to improve themselves in facing new tourism trends, including issues of waste management, sanitation, hygiene, and comfort. Balinese people also have a high awareness of clean tourism," Wishnutama continued.
The determination of Bali as the most popular destination in the world is not the first time it has been obtained. Previously, the Island of the Gods was ranked in the top 24 cities in the world as the World's Best Destination 2017 by the most popular travel review site, Tripadvisor.
In addition, several international sites and associations have also named Bali as the best, including Travel and Leisure, World Travel Awards, Conde Nast Traveler, to the UNWTO Awards.
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