STATUS GUNUNG AGUNG - JAKARTA. Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya appreciates the speed and readiness of Bali's tourism industry. As early as this morning at 07.15 Bali time, Monday, 27 November 2017, Ngurah Rai International airport authorities announced the airport was closed for up to 18 hours, the industry immediately checked on the situation in the field.
As mentioned by Minister Arief Yahya at BPPD Bali some time ago, the industry is prepared in case the airport closes. Tourists affected due to airline cancellation, and with no flights out of Bali, will be given 1 night free accommodation, with the next night pay only 50%.
“Great! And this is how the Balinese hotel industry’s rapid response should be. Don’t count loss profits first, but serve customers who are panicking and cannot fly home, this is much more important," said Arief Yahya.
Actually, Minister Arief believes that if done by the industry well, the future impact will be very good for Bali. Travelers may be more loyal, appreciate and even be fanatical of Bali. The destination of Bali will be more appealing to the eyes of tourists around the world.
“We should serve our guests as our fellow human beings, with humanity and humanism. It is not good to talk business in the midst of a disaster," said Arief Yahya.
The Minister who was born in Banyuwangi invites the industry to think big. If we give something, God does not sleep. God will reciprocate with multiple rewards.
Bali Tourism Hospitality (BTH) -the other term for the MOT Crisis Center has prepared small 12 seater buses ready to help tourists from Ngurah Rai Airport to return to their hotels. Bali's hotel industry is providing 1 night free and a 50% discount for the next day to affected travelers who canceled or who wish to extend.
The decision is ease the burden of foreign and national tourists, who cannot fly because the airport is closed. "Not being able to go home is not their fault! Nor is our hope. This is because of nature," said Arief.
The hospitality industry in Bali began to provide assistance to tourists affected by airline cancellations due to the closing of Ngurah Rai Airport Bali since Monday morning, at 07.15 WITA (27/11) due to the impact of Mount Agung eruption.
To alleviate the psychological burden of tourists, Bali travel agencies has deployed its officers to provide assistance to tourists until they decide whether to stay on vacation in Bali, proceed to another destination, or decide to go home.
In addition, 15 shelters or assembly points for travelers affected have been prepared. They include: Grand Inna Bali Beach Hotel, ITDC Nusa Dua, Krisna Sunset Sunset, Krisna Culinary Tour, Taman Ayu, Bali Bird Park, Bali Adventure Tours, Bali Safari and Marine Park, Kertalangu Tourism Village, True Bali Experience, Bencingah Puri Ubud, Pod Chocolate, Taman Sari, Ubud Adventure Center and Pod Chocolate Cafe Sunset.
TTC Crisis Center or the Bali Tourism Hospitality (BTH) also reported that each airline company has moved quickly in assisting the canceled passengers, among others, providing hotel accommodation for passengers who are forced to extend. Some gave money, such as Jet Star, of Rp 150.000 to each passenger affected by the cancellation.
To avoid disappointment, passengers who will depart from Jakarta to Bali, it is recommended to transfer to Djuanda Airport Surabaya then continued by road via bus which is ready to deliver passengers to Bali.
