TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Riau Islands government hoped that the travel bubble policy with Singapore could be implemented in its region to boost tourist arrival. Several exclusive tourist sites were considered suitable to implement the policy.

The regional Tourism Agency Head Buralimar said the segregated travel lane concept would suit to be carried out in Nongsa, Lagoi, Cempedak Island, Nikoi Island, Kepri Coral, and Telunas resorts.

“No residents living in there so comprehensive and strict health protocols can be applied,” said Buralimar on Monday, January 25, 2021.

Through the travel balloon policy, citizens from the two countries would be allowed to have free visits and exempted from quarantine mandatory. The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry was trying to clinch the agreement with Singapore, especially for Bintan and Batam which were dependent on foreign visits.

Buralimar also planned to obtain hygiene certification from Singaporean authorities. “We will invite SG Clean to check our health protocols,” he added.

According to him, the certification was necessary to convince prospective tourists to visit the islands once the travel bubble policy was applied.

The Riau Island government was also determined to suppress the Covid-19 transmission. “The curve has been flattening for the past week. This is what we wish for, declining virus transmission rate and successful vaccination,” Buralimar said.

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ANTARA