The Indonesian tourism minister stated that the government would wait for COVID-19 cases to fall before opening Bali up to foreign tourists.The Bali economy has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. Bali was for many decades a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unique Hindu culture.We had intended to target the end of July or the beginning of August. However, we have to be aware of where we stand in the recent spike in coronavirus cases, said Sandiaga Uno (Indonesia's Minister for Tourism & the Cultural Economy) in an interview with Reuters on Monday.We'll wait for things to improve.In recent weeks, Coronavirus infections have risen in Indonesia, including Bali. According to official data, there has been an almost fourfold increase in cases of Coronavirus in Indonesia over the past month.Uno stated that he would like Bali's daily coronavirus infection to be reduced to 30-40 per day prior to reopening.According to data from the global health organization, the low test rates at Balis are concealing the true extent of their infections. They currently stand at 15% below the recommended minimum rate by the World Health Organisation.The government of Indonesia has prioritized Bali as a location for vaccinations. Uno stated that most coronavirus-infected people showed mild symptoms and that the government is seeing positive early results. He said that while bed occupancy rates in Java were close to 100%, they were below 50% in Bali.Uno stated that 71% of Balinese had received their first dose of vaccines and that the goal of 70% full vaccination could be reached by July's end.To protect Bali from pandemic, domestic tourists to Bali will need to undergo a PCR test prior to entering.Bali is hoping to attract international digital entrepreneurs who are internet-based nomads as well as traditional tourists. Under the scheme, they will be granted five year visas.They will be taxed if they earn income in Indonesia, but not if it is solely from abroad.(Reporting by Tom Allard, Jakarta; Kate Lamb in Sydney; Editing By Kenneth Maxwell).This article was written and licensed legally by Industry Dive publisher network. All licensing inquiries should be directed to legal@industrydive.com
