Jogja Continues To Aggressively Promote Tourism Through Social Media In The Midst Of PPKM

Illustration / Monument of Pal Putih Yogyakarta (ANTARA)

YOGYAKARTA - The implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM) that are extended until February 8, 2021 does not hinder the efforts of the Yogyakarta City Tourism Office to continue to carry out tourism promotion which is now focused through social media.

"Even though the condition of tourism is experiencing a significant decline, tourism promotion activities must not stop, including the implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM)," said Head of Yogyakarta City Tourism Office Wahyu Hendratmoko in Yogyakarta, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, January 26.

According to him, tourism promotion is not only carried out to inform about the various uniqueness of tourism destinations in the city of Yogyakarta but also the most important thing is to inform about the implementation of health protocols that have been carried out by all tourism actors in the city.

"This is what's most important, i.e., to inform that tourism in Yogyakarta City is carried out with strict health protocols. The hope is that tourists who come will feel safe and comfortable,” he said.

One form of tourism promotion that is carried out is by preparing a tourism promotion video in the form of a virtual 360 tour in a number of tourism destinations and health protocol regulations for tourists. The video can be accessed via the Yogyakarta City Tourism Office YouTube channel.

According to Wahyu, when conditions allow tourism to return to Yogyakarta, it will bounce back and recover faster.

"Tourist visits can recover quickly because all tourism actors are always ready with the implementation of strict health protocols. This is what all tourism service business actors expect," he said.

Wahyu gave an example, as happened when the implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM) from January 11-25, 2021 and now being extended from January 26 - February 8, 2021, tourism business actors comply with all applicable regulations.

"Apart from continuing to implement health protocols, tourist attractions in Yogyakarta also comply with the rules for limiting operating hours. If previously it was closed at a maximum of 19.00 WIB, for the next two weeks it can be closed at a maximum of 20.00 WIB," he said.

The limitation on the number of visitors, he continued, was also obeyed even though the various restriction regulations also made it difficult for business actors in the tourism service sector from the aspect of income.

"Optimization of visitors can only be done during the daytime because opening hours are limited to 20.00 WIB," he said.

He also ensured that the provision of verification of health protocols for tourism service businesses would still be continued to ensure that all tourism actors implemented health protocols in a disciplined manner.

In 2021, the Yogyakarta City Tourism Office is targeting tourist visits of 1.3 million tourists, both domestic and foreign tourists.