VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has forecast the tourism industry to boom in 2021 after the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak ends.

Jokowi voiced his optimism while chairing a virtual limited meeting of cabinet ministers held to discuss efforts to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism and creative economy sectors from the Merdeka Palace here on Thursday.

"I believe this is only until the end of the year. However, there will be a boom in the tourism sector next year," President Jokowi remarked.

The head of state believes that next year, all would be eager to head outdoors and enjoy the scenery after being compelled to stay at home owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
Hence, the president has called on every stakeholder in the tourism industry to remain upbeat.
"That optimism must continue to be raised, lest we get trapped in the wave of pessimism owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Otherwise, we would fail to properly capitalize on the boom that might emerge after the COVID-19 pandemic is overcome," he emphasized. (Antara)

The head of state called on the tourism ministry and other stakeholders to make preparations to reap benefits from the tourism boom next year.

Jokowi has also called for economic stimulus to be offered to businesses in the tourism sector and ensure it runs well, so that the tourism industry would survive and not conduct massive layoffs.(Antara)