UNAIR NEWS – During COVID-19 pandemic, tourism sector is one of the first and most affected sectors. According to the Head of Department of Business, Faculty of Vocational Studies, UNAIR, Dr. Sri Endah Nurhidayati., S.Sos., M.Si, there are some significant impacts of COVID-19 on tourism. They include a ban on flights, closed tourist destinations, decreasing number of tourists, decreasing accommodation occupancy, as well as a decrease from all businesses derived from the tourism sector.
Tourism exists as the center of a region’s economy, therefore, local governments are encouraged to be aware on the right tourism management strategy after the pandemic ends. According to Dr. Sri Endah, the government must start changing strategy through shifting tourism paradigm.
“Tourism used to be oriented to entertainment and fun activities. Now, the paradigm must change. Tourism must be oriented towards responsibility and self-development by both tourism managers and visitors, “said Dr. Sri Endah in UNAIR Vocational Public Lecture held on Friday, August 5, 2020.
Dr. Sri Endah said that Indonesia would face tough challenges in restoring tourism after the pandemic. She believed that people would be more selective in choosing tourist destinations because of the new adaptations caused by the COVID-19. They will pay more attention to better infrastructure, sanitation and cleanliness rather than just the beauty or attractiveness of a tourist destination.
Therefore, from now on tourism managers and local governments must prepare to build an integrated tourism protocols and system. The system referred by Dr. Sri Endah is next normal tourism based on safety, surprise, and self-development.
“A different tourism experience is emphasized. However, it is also necessary to develop information and communication technology so that the tourism industry 4.0 paradigm is formed. Moreover, a customized approach must work with environmental orientation, tourist behavior, socio-culture, and economic profits, ” she said.
Following the system change, tourist behavior must also change. To maintain sustainability, tourists must be able to have respect and responsible behavior when visiting tourist destinations. So the next normal tourism will run properly.
Beside Dr. Sri Endah, the event titled Measuring Policy and Implementation of Public Services amid Pandemic Period also presented the Mayor of Bima, West Nusa Tenggara who shared about policy orientation and public services in the City of Bima during the pandemic. The public lecture event from a collaboration of UNAIR, Bima City Government, and by.U telecommunication service provider was attended by hundreds of participants from students, academics, and government officials. (*)
Author: Intang Arifia
Editor: Feri Fenoria
