JAKARTA: Bali will open its doors to tourists from abroad on Sept 11 under strict health guidelines as a precaution against Covid-19.
The target is the last of a three-phase plan to revive the tourism industry and ease up on social restrictions on the popular resort island, according to the tempo.co portal.
In making the announcement recently, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said strict health protocols were in place to ensure the pandemic remained in check as the island greeted visitors.
Koster said the first phase started on July 9 when the administration began reopening local businesses and tourist spots for residents and stranded foreigners within Bali.
"We'll start the second phase on July 31 by reopening tourism for domestic tourists," he said in reference to visitors from within the country.
"The third phase would be launched on Sept 11. We'll open our borders to international tourists."
He said the administration would focus on maintaining strict health protocols at popular tour destinations and other public places to curb the transmission of Covid-19.
"International tourists would also be required to provide negative Covid-19 test results that are valid for two weeks in accordance with the circular issued by the transportation minister."
Tourism in Bali has been hit hard by the global pandemic as it has cut off travel to the island.
Koster said last year for instance, international tourists visiting Bali contributed 41 per cent of the country's tourism revenues, amounting to around 116 trillion rupiah.
President Joko Widodo previously urged regional administrations to ensure tourism in the new normal era provided tourists with safety and comfort so that they could stay longer and spend more.
Koster said last year, 6.3 million international tourists visited Bali, accounting for 39 per cent of international tourism in the country.
"However, we don't want to focus solely on international tourists, since the potential for local tourists is also great," Koster said.