TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism is one of the sectors that are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as hotel, restaurant, and tourist destination businesses are declining. However, there are some tourism activities that are doable during the pandemic.

A lecturer at Tourism Study of Vocational Education at the University of Indonesia, Diaz Pranita, says there are nine types of attractions that are potential for further improvement during the Covid-19 pandemic. “If a development is implemented, these special tourism activities will give significant benefit for the national economy and the people compared to mass tourism,” Diaz said in a webinar dubbed ‘Tourism E-talk Series’ on Friday, December 11.

Paramotor.

Not only those are highly potential to be developed, according to Diaz, the special tourist attractions also meet the health protocols as it is executed by certain communities and in small groups.

The nine types of these activities include village tour, mount climbing and paragliding, marathon, sailing or yachting or diving, rafting, cave tour and paramotor, ecotourism, mystery tour and millennial or youth tourism, and voluntourism.

Mount climbing.

Diaz Pranita advises businesses intending to develop those tourism activities to offer the best service, experience, and assure safety, but don’t be tempted to provide tours with too many participants. “Limit the number of participants, and consider the capacity and sustainability of the environment.”

It is also important to create detailed planning and provide a direct effect on the people, as well as create a positive image of Indonesian tourism. Diaz Pranita says that the pandemic has shifted the tourism point of view from ‘safety first’ to ‘healthy first’, as it is vital to adhere to health protocols.

Antara