JAKARTA: There is still potential to be tapped by those in the tourism industry, a sector badly affected by Covid-19.
An academician believes that activities could be monetised in the industry, where hotels, restaurants and destination businesses are among the hardest hit, according to the Tempo.co portal.
Diaz Pranita, a lecturer of Tourism Study of Vocational Education at University of Indonesia, said several attractions had the potential to be improved or developed to cater to tourists during the pandemic.
"If a development (focus) is implemented, these special tourism activities will offer significant benefits to the national economy and the people compared with mass tourism," Diaz said in a webinar titled "Tourism E-talk Series".
The activities include village tours, mountain climbing, paragliding, marathons, sailing or yachting, diving, rafting, cave tours, paramotor, ecotourism, mystery tour, millennial or youth tourism, as well as voluntourism.
Diaz said by allowing special focus on the activities, it would help communities or small groups to maintain health protocols.
Diaz said businesses intending to develop such tourism activities should emphasiseservice, experience and safety instead of focusing on the volume of guests.
"Limit the number of participants, and consider the capacity and sustainability of the environment."
Diaz said it was important to create a detailed plan and provide a direct effect on the people, as well as create a positive image of local tourism.
Focus has shifted the tourism point of view from "safety first" to "health first" as it was vital to adhere to health protocols, Diaz added.
