TANJUNGPINANG - Head of the Riau Islands Province Tourism Office (Kepri) Buralimar said Singaporean tourists who enter the area now simply attach a negative result of the COVID-19 antigen test from the country of origin. Previously, foreign tourists were required to show the results of the PCR test.
"We ask all officers in the field to have one vote. Now that the arrival of foreign tourists at the entrance to the Riau Islands, there is no need to show the PCR results, but enough antigen," said Buralimar in Tanjungpinang, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, April 20.
Buralimar conveyed the policy based on the Addendum to the Circular Letter of the Head of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 17 of 2022 concerning Health Protocols for Overseas Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He really appreciates the related policies, because so far the implementation of the PCR policy has been one of the obstacles for foreign tourists to come to Riau Islands. This is because the cost of PCR tests in that country is relatively expensive, which is around 100 dollars.
Dispar is optimistic that the travel conditions with Antigen will encourage more foreign tourists from neighboring countries to come on vacation to Riau Islands since the opening of the border gates to Singapore and Malaysia in early April 2022.
"At present, many foreign tourists from neighboring countries have started to come to Riau Islands. I am sure the number will continue to grow, along with the concessions for foreign travelers given by the central government," said Buralimar.
Dispar hopes that in the future the central government requires foreign tourists to enter Riau Islands not to need a COVID-19 test, but enough to vaccinate a complete dose. Moreover, the development of COVID-19 cases in Riau Islands has been increasingly sloping, plus the vaccination achievement is very high so that we are getting ready for the endemic phase.
"Now we understand that there are COVID-19 tests for Singaporean tourists, because the government considers the condition of COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries worried about spreading to Riau Islands," he said.
According to Buralimar, Riau Islands are very ready to welcome foreign tourist visits after two years of being hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dispar has coordinated with tourism associations ranging from transportation to hotels to receive foreign tourist arrivals which are predicted to increase during Eid Al-Fitr 1443 Hijriah.
"We have been preparing for 1.5 years to receive foreign tourists. The arrival of foreign tourists certainly has a positive impact on the Riau Islands' economic recovery after being hit by the pandemic," he said.
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