TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - Surabaya has experienced major setbacks as the ASEAN Economic Community 2015 (AEC) draws closer. Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) of East Java said that there are three setbacks that must be faced by hotels in the region.
The first setback is the dropping occupancy rate following the government's policy that bans officials from holding meetings in hotels. "It causes 40 to 50 percent losses," said Head of PHRI of East Java Moh Sholeh, adding that there are currently 100 new hotels under construction in Surabaya.
Another setback is the recent Air Asia flight QZ8501 plane crash, which prompted a flight route investigation. "We have 16 flight schedules suspended," he added.
In addition, a security warning released by the United States Embassy and travel advice from the Australian government has affected the flow of foreign tourists.
ARTIKA RACHMI FARMITA
