TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Bali government recorded that the number of foreign tourists entering the province until March 7 had reached more than 2,000. The figure increased since many international airlines reactivated flights at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport.

“Hopefully, all regions in Bali get the ‘cake’ [from foreign visits]. We will boost the number of foreign tourists by holding more tourism events and through MICE,” said the Acting Head of Bali Tourism Agency Cokorda Raka Darmawan via phone call on Monday, March 7.

The number of foreign visits to the Island of Gods is rising following the quarantine and visa policy relaxations. In last February, the figure was recorded at around 1,600 people. Cokorda believed that the island will be more packed along with the ease of travel.

The government earlier cut the quarantine period for foreign travelers who had received the full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to three days. In mid-March, the government planned to drop the quarantine requirement for travelers arriving in Bali.

The government has also issued a visa on arrival policy for tourists from 23 countries for a maximum of 30 days of stay. Cokorda underlined that although the travel rules were relaxed, tourists are still required to comply with the travel bubble system.

“This means they must undergo an RT-PCR test with a negative result before flying and show proof of payment of a hotel booking for 4 days and 3 nights because they have to undergo another PCR test on the third day of the quarantine,” said Cokorda.

Read: Bali Reintroduces Visa on Arrival for Tourists from 23 Countries

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA