WHO recommendation against visits from countries where positive swine flu infection confirmed has created a massive concern fro tourism industry recently. Certain countries – such as China – has even announced a travel ban on Mexico for the issue. “What about Indonesia?” What is the impact of swine flu for Indonesian tourism?” Below is opinion expressed by I Gusti Kade Heriyadi Angligan, President Director of PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (HIN), expressed in an interview by a Bali Post reporter during ADB Annual Assembly conducted in Nusa Dua recently.

What is the impact of swine flu to tourism industry?

Just like security issue, disease is a sensitive issue for tourists, no matter from which country they are originating from. Continuous extensive publication forms a scary perception. But learning from the past SARS and avian flu in the past, there is actually no reason to be panic. International travellers now are smart enougth to figure out actual situation.

What does Indonesia has to do, or specifically Bali?

I think we are on the right track already. The government along with other related components publicize sufficient anticipative actions including installation of thermal scanners in all international airports, suspend import of swine products, and conduct extensive advisory on proper preventive antions for husbandry owners. It is all very positive. Furthermore we have more than enough experience from the past SARS and avian flu.

What is your projections in Indonesian tourism this year?

I tend to agree with what Minister Wacik had to say that we have to remain optimistic whilst increasing our hard work. Looking into statistics if the first four months of this year, there is a good chance that we can at least sustain the figurs of last years when Indonesia got 6.4 millions foreign tourists, out of which 1.9 millions went to Bali. The important thing are effective promotion and opening access to new destinations which have sufficient infrastructure.

Such as?

Theoretically, promotions are simultaneously conducted by both the government and private sectors. The government promotes destination especially building image, whilst private companies promote products and packages.

Some people advises to suspend promotion as the whole world is facing a crisis anyway?

That is not true. Theoretically there are a number of options for promotion available, including international media (such as televisision, newspapers, magazines, etc.), establishing representative office in main feeding countries, developing websites, participating events abroad, and conduct our own events. Every possible promotion channels have to be mobilized at maximum extend.