Transitional PSBB Claimed To Save Hotel Business

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Hotel occupancy is slowly starting to increase in line with the implementation of large-scale transitional social restrictions (PSBB) in DKI Jakarta and in several areas. Although it cannot be said that everything has returned to normal, there is already a movement for the better in the hotel and accommodation sector.

CEO of Indonesia Property Watch, Ali Tranghanda said, PSBB is transitioning to save the hotel sector after being severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, almost part of the hotels collapsed and several hotels in Bali are being sold to date.

"Based on research conducted by Indonesia Property Watch during the last 1 month, namely June 2020 regarding the hotel market, it is illustrated that several areas that are still within the reach of private vehicles (driving distance) from Jakarta, have actually shown a high increase in occupancy," he said in Jakarta, Monday, July 6.

However, Ali said, this condition is different from hotels in tourist areas that cannot be reached by private car. This means that hotels that can only be visited by airplane have not shown positive movements.

Based on the records of Indonesia Property Watch, the highest occupancy rate occurred in the Bogor-Puncak area, which rose to 29.3 percent, even at weekends it could reach 60 to 70 percent.

"The increase in occupancy rates also occurred in the Bandung area to an average of 22.9 percent and Anyer-Carita 15.4 percent," he said.

Ali explained that most of the guests' destinations are for tours or holidays, while business hotels are still relatively restrained, including star hotels in Jakarta.

"The occupancy rate is still relatively low when compared to the conditions before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at least it is an indication that the hotel business is starting to grow even though it is still overshadowed by concerns," he said.

According to Ali, the hoteliers also apply discounts from 10 to 20 percent for visiting guests. Is this, become one of the promotions that can attract people to stay at hotels.

"Apart from these areas that are still within a driving distance radius, hotel guests currently prefer chain-branded hotels that are trusted to implement better health protocols compared to local hotels," he said.