A Bali tourist guide claims her income has plunged to zero for the last few months as the business that used to earn her between Rp 10 million (US$683.50) and Rp 15 million per month has come to a complete halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The island’s reopening for domestic tourists starting July 31 and for international tourists on Sept. 11 understandably rekindles her hope and that of Bali as well as the country for recovery.
For the national economy, Bali’s tourism industry is key. In 2018 alone it contributed Rp 100 trillion to state revenue, according to the Tourism Ministry. That year, the island saw 9.7 million domestic tourist arrivals, or 61.6 percent of the total number of visitors.
Bali has lost an estimated Rp 48.5 trillion between March and July from the industry, which is why the reopening is much-awaited. Local officials said the decision followed a thorough consideration, including the positive development in the way the province dealt with the pandemic. It has recorded 3,360 infections with 48 deaths as of July 31, with no red zone.