TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Development Planning (Bappenas) Minister Suharso Monoarfa stated that tourism in Bangka Belitung Islands must receive special treatments like those in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Nusa Dua, Bali.

“If people say that Belitung tourism is similar to mass tourism such as Borobudur, it is a wrong opinion,” said Suharso when visiting Sijuk, Belitung, on Thursday, September 3, 2020. “But when compared to tourist attractions in Labuan Bajo and Nusa Dua, Bali, there are similarities.”

He opined that tourist destinations in Belitung, Labuan Bajo, and Nusa Dua are recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic given their natural potential that was absent in other regions.

“The future of tourism is no longer in the form of mass tourism unless there is a potent COVID-19 vaccine,” Suharso added.

Bangka Belitung Island Province boasts an extraordinary, unique nature compared to other tourist destinations, such as coral reefs and a geopark. “This is a tremendous strength and must continue to be explored,” he said.

Suharso Monoarfa deemed Bangka Belitung Island has great tourist attractions and quite good amenities as there were multiple star hotels and adequate tourist facilities. “Based on Bappenas studies, we predict that Belitung will see an 'invasion' of tourists. This condition must be prepared carefully and thoughtfully,” he said.

Read: DPRD Defies Chinese Symbols to Protect Bangka Belitung Culture

ANTARA