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Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry N. W. Giri Adnyani. (Antaranews/I Komang Suparta/2020)

The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry backs the Bali provincial government to breathe new life into the tourism industry by implementing health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry always supports the regional governments' efforts to invite foreign tourists by applying health protocols," the ministry's chief secretary, N. W. Giri Adnyani, stated during the launch of digitalization of QRIS-based tourism and small and medium enterprises in Bangli District in Bali on Sunday.

Adnyani pointed out that Bali had been recognized as one of the world's main tourist destinations. In the face of the new normal, the provincial government had made necessary preparations to welcome foreign tourists, including by renovating facilities at tourist sites.

"We have coordinated with the regional government in making preparations for the arrival of tourists, including disseminating information on (the program) and reviewing tourist locations as advanced preparations to welcome the arriving tourists," she revealed.

Adnyani noted that tourist attractions in Bali have since long been known as the world's main tourism destinations. In 2019, tourists arriving in Bali constituted 40 percent of the total tourist arrivals in Indonesia.

"Looking ahead, we are optimistic that the number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting Bali will return to normal and will increase as compared to the previous year," she stated.

Speaking in connection with the use of the digital payment system (QRIS BPD), Adnyani welcomed the banking industry’s efforts to provide such service.

"The step taken by the banking industry to introduce QRIS is very good. This can reduce direct contact and help maintain physical distancing by complying with health protocols," she added. (ANTARA)