TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As the Large Scale Social Restriction (PSBB) policy is starting to be relaxed, the government has now allowed the working population, under 45 years old, to work outside of home, while still adhering to health protocols. With these conditions, economic activities will start to pick-up again and return to normal, including the tourism sector.

Tourism expert Ikram Nur Muharam stated that the public has to adjust to a new normal, after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. "In the new normal condition, people would still be traveling but with a number of procedures that have changed," Ikram said, on Saturday, May 9, 2020.

According to Ikram, a number of new conditions will be implemented in tourism as part of the post pandemic new normal, including all transportation facilities set to implement stricter hygiene and health procedures. Furthermore, Ikram sees that accomodation and restaurant services will implement a 'self check-in' and 'self service' system.

"Standards for hygiene, health, comfort and safety for customers will be higher than ever before," Ikram said.

Additionally, Ikram expects the tourism industry to limit the number of tourists, due to the industry now being aware of the impacts of overtourism. As tourism grinded to a halt, a number of natural tourist destinations have begun to rejuvenate itself during the pandemic.

On the other hand, continued Ikram, the entertainment industry will implement new innovations such as virtual concerts or ‘drive-in’ concerts requiring the audience to be in their respective cars, as has been implemented in Germany.

"People will still be happy to take a vacation and spend, but many things will change," Ikram added.

ANTARA | DIO SUHENDA (INTERN TRANSLATOR)