Wishnutama Kusubandio, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy recently shared his insight for travel industry on how to overcome and regain its power after the deadly corona virus pandemic.
Travel agents are encouraged to move towards the digital platforms as a surge is expected in tourism after the pandemic is over.
“We can see how technology and the digital media has brought new routines and ways of life,” he said on Saturday as reported by tempo.co.
He has also emphasized on ASITA ( Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies) to develop a digital platform as it is now considered essential in the new ecosystem of travel industry.
“ASITA members need to find potential amid this pandemic. Like it or not, the digital era is happening and it is a challenge for the association,” he said.
The Minister confirmed that he is on contact with many stakeholders in the tourism industry encouraging them to be prepared for a great surge in tourists by preparing and formulating appropriate plans.
“The first step is to encourage Indonesian tourists by coming up with alluring travel packages,” he said. "The pandemic has brought new routines; [this is] the new normal."
He also shared his insight about a new trend seen in the tourism industry brought by the outbreak which will focus on on the landscape reforming in terms of health and comfort.
“For the next tourism development, we will focus on the principle things, namely hygiene and sanitation in tourist attractions, accommodation and modes of transportation,” he said.
Wisnutama shared his hope for some form of certification to ensure these criteria.
“We’d need strong cooperation to push mitigation and recovery efforts, during the pandemic and afterward,” he said. (wng)