Ready To Open Access To Foreign Tourists, Especially China, Deputy Governor Of Bali Reveals The Free COVID-19 Corridor Program

Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati

DENPASAR - The Bali Provincial Government is working on a scheme to open access for foreign citizens. Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati or Cok Ace said that the government already has a Free Covid Corridor program.

This Free Covid Coridor allows foreign tourists to visit Bali as long as their country of origin has completed the COVID-19 vaccination.

"The target of foreign tourists is Chinese tourists, we know that the country has managed to get out of the pandemic because of the successful vaccination program. So we can bring them in," said Cok Ace, Thursday, February 25.

There are a number of requirements that must be met by foreign tourists.

"First, we have to reach 75 percent of the population, especially tourism actors, to be vaccinated," he said.

Cok Ace emphasized that the government is currently completing the COVID-19 vaccination in Bali as quickly as possible, especially for workers in the tourism sector.

"For this reason, I have asked the central government to give Bali priority for vaccines," he explained.

Another requirement is a health facility similar to the country of origin, namely China.

"We must also prepare this, at least our facilities must be the same. So that there is a belief that the country will allow its citizens to travel to Bali," he explained.

Cok Ace emphasized that discipline on the COVID-19 health protocol will be the main thing if the border for foreign tourists to Bali is opened. He is grateful that currently Bali is in the second position to obey the prokes with a rate of 98.3 percent below West Kalimantan at 98.6 percent.

"This is of course our capital to convince the international community if Bali is indeed ready to welcome international tourists," he said.

In addition, tourism actors also prepare certification programs for Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environment Sustainability in every accommodation, restaurant and tourist destination.

"In the past, our sales were nature, customs and culture. Now we shift a little apart from these three things. We have to be able to convince the international community if the government and society really have run the program properly and correctly," said Cok Ace.