Bali reopens but no international flights, no foreign tourists
Details of reopening have been patchy, with Indonesia identifying 19 eligible countries late on Wednesday
DENPASAR Indonesia's holiday island of Bali reopened to foreign tourists after 18 months of pandemic isolation yesterday, but there is one crucial ingredient lacking: international flights.
The government recently announced Bali's reopening after a sharp fall in coronavirus cases since July, when Indonesia was Asia's Covid-19 epicentre.
But new visitors from overseas were nowhere to be seen yesterday.
Though the island's Ngurah Rai International Airport has carried out exercises to prepare for tourists to return, it is not expecting much to happen soon.
"So far there is no schedule," said airport spokesman Taufan Yudhistira.
Known for its surfing, temples, waterfalls and nightlife, Bali drew 6.2 million foreign visitors in the year before Covid-19 struck, but tight pandemic border restrictions have devastated tourism, which is worth 54 per cent of its economy.
From January to June this year, only 35 foreign tourists entered Bali through its airport.
In downtown Kuta, just off its famous beach, shops and bars were open yesterday but with only a few customers, while taxi drivers waited outside.
"We are really destitute," said driver Yohanan, 52, waiting on the curb.
"We are hoping tourists can come here, but no one has."
The government's preparations could be the reason.
Details about the reopening have been patchy. Indonesia identified 19 eligible countries late on Wednesday. They include China, India, Japan, South Korea and several European and Gulf countries. Singapore has not been included.
Thailand began its reopening in July with much fanfare, with the islands of Samui and Phuket welcoming vaccinated tourists from most countries, with hundreds arriving in the first few days. Vietnam will welcome visitors to its Phu Quoc island next month.
But Bali's reopening plan is not matched by demand.
Mr I Putu Astawa of the island's tourism agency said hotel reservations were few, adding that the timing was "so sudden".
"They need time to take care of visas and flights," he said.
As well as requiring Bali visitors to be vaccinated against Covid-19, Indonesia has said they must spend their first five days in quarantine, a requirement rival destinations are phasing out. It also requires medical coverage of up to US$70,000 (S$94,400) for Covid-19 treatment.
Mr Ida Bagus Purwa Sidemen, of the hotel and restaurants association in Bali, said that while the island was ready for tourists, it "does not mean all the guests suddenly visit". - REUTERS
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now