TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio said Banyuwangi regency was gearing up to reactivate its tourism sector. The regional administration, he added, had designed three recovery phases, viz. emergency, recovery, and implementation of the new normal era.

“The ministry will ensure that all processes in preparing the application of health protocols in Banyuwangi regency can run well,” said Wishnutama in Jakarta, Friday, June 26.

According to him, Banyuwangi has now entered the recovery phase, during which the government educated and disseminated protocols that will be applied in the new normal era. The education was provided to stakeholders in regional tourism.

Additionally, the local government conducted certification and competency tests regarding health protocols for tour guides. To prevent the novel coronavirus transmission that causes the COVID-19, the government will use technology to allow tourists to book their tickets online.

Wishnutama added tthe dissemination and education phase lasted from June to August 2020. Banyuwangi could be a role model for other regions wishing to implement similar measures, he said.

Moreover, President Jokowi warned tourism regulators to prepare standards of the new normal that must be introduced massively and followed by trials and supervision.

In drafting plans to kick-start tourism activities, Wishnutama continued, health protocols were key since the pandemic has changed traveling cultures in which tourists would prioritize health, hygiene, safety, and convenience issues.

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FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA