Professor of Tourism UGM, Prof. Dr. Janianton Damanik, who is also the Head of the UGM Center for Tourism Studies, emphasized that the key to the revival of Jogjakarta tourism amid the Covid-19 pandemic no longer lies in the uniqueness and attractiveness of tourist destinations. The key to this awakening is precisely the community’s compliance in carrying out health protocols that are currently becoming the most powerful motor and promotional media for the world of tourism.
“We can no longer rely on this or that unique destination. If we want to revive Jogja tourism, we have to push the main engine, which is to make sure we are very obedient to this covid protocol. This is the greatest opportunity,” said Janianton Damanik in a webinar entitled Jogja Tourism Awakening Strategy in the Middle of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Thursday (6/8).
This webinar also featured the Deputy Mayor of Jogja, Heroe Purwadi, Head of the BPD Association of Hotels and Restaurants (PHRI) DIY, Deddy Pranowo Eryono, and the Chairman of HIPPI DIY, Dr. Sarbini.
According to Janianton, if there is a high level of compliance in the community, especially those who run the tourism business, the market will soon come. The current market is still waiting.
“If we can build trust in the market that we are obedient to health protocols, thus, those who come to Jogja are safe, comfortable and have their health maintained, then it is only a matter of time, Jogja tourism will rise soon,” he said.
On the other hand, he said, how can the campaign and the promotion efforts be carried out if the community has not complied with cleanliness, health, and safety, it will not be successful. Market trust is dependent on the application of these standards.
“Health is a King, and that applies to our current tourism. If this happens, we just have to wait for the market to come”, he explained.
Therefore, Anton expressed his appreciation for the DIY Government and the Yogyakarta City Government for paying attention to this matter. Jogja should be given its notes and high appreciation because many government events make people aware of this health protocol.
Unfortunately, the campaign or solicitation is still limited to an appeal, so that the results have not been optimal. It is only limited to appealing so that there will be no consequences if it is violated.
“I don’t have any information yet; for example, someone has come to the meeting. Let’s say the mall, you get checked, have a high temperature, or don’t wash your hands, or don’t comply with health protocols, then get kicked out of the mall. I haven’t heard the news yet, so there is no strict punishment yet”, he explained.
He suggested that punishment and reward must exist to receive sanctions if they violate the regulation. According to him, it could make the image of Jogja much better and very promotional and an extraordinary promotional tool for the Jogja tourism market.
“The tourist market is currently waiting. What has been done by the Jogja City government is good and right when it refuses buses from outside the city that does not comply with health protocols. Wawali said earlier; if there is a bus from outside, there is no guarantee of health and safety, we will refuse to enter. Yes, we have to protect the citizens; this is the right step”, he said.
The same thing was conveyed by the Deputy Mayor of Yogyakarta, Heroe Purwadi. According to him, the key to the revival of Jogja tourism is only the health protocol. The firmness of the government in Yogyakarta to enforce the rules was then appreciated by the President so that it was called the best in handling Covid-19.
“The best value is what motivates people to come to Jogja. Our policy is that the bus may come but guarantee our safety and health. To hotels, restaurants, traders, and stalls, we will refuse if they can’t ensure our safety and health. Our parks also reject cars and do not accept those who do not provide security guarantees to us”, said Heroe.
Heroe added about 40-45 buses or cars that were rejected because they did not provide guarantees to carry out health protocols. Such rules have been implemented since the beginning.
“Come with a guarantee that keeps us safe. When many do not provide health and safety guarantees to Jogja, we will reject it”, he added.
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/19873-patuhi-protokol-kesehatan-kunci-bangkitnya-pariwisata-jogja
