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THE KEY that must be considered so that sustainable tourism can be developed on the Island of the Gods is to maintain human and natural resources and ensure the welfare of the Balinese people.
According to the Deputy Governor of Bali, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati in the webinar of the 2nd Planet Tourism Indonesia 2021, “Beyond Recovery, Towards Sustainability”, Wednesday (9/22) explained that every tourist spot must maintain certain things for sustainable tourism. For example, Singapore has technology as a tourism attraction, while Bali favors culture that must be preserved.
“This is what we have to hold on to, how so that sustainable tourism does not get out of the concept. If we want to maintain culture as the attraction of Bali, the human and natural elements must be preserved,” said Tjokorda.
Another key is ensuring the welfare of the Balinese people is guaranteed through sustainable tourism. He believes that the people of the Island of the Gods do not only want to be the object of the rapid tourism on a world-renowned island, but also subjects who take part in promoting tourism in their hometown.
If the welfare of the local community is neglected, he is worried that small problems will arise which can lead to social crises and social jealousy. These problems will complicate the development of sustainable tourism.
Therefore, Tjokorda invites tourism players and related parties to take advantage of this moment to reflect on whether the current tourism has been in favor of nature and has provided space for Balinese people to take part in tourism in their homes.
Tjokorda also invited tourism players to take advantage of digitalization to survive in the midst of a pandemic. Even though the intended tourists are not physically present on the island of Bali, the economy can continue to run thanks to the presence of the internet. He said that the Buy Bali program, which is a collaboration between the Provinces of Bali and West Java, has given positive results.
“A few days ago, I and the Governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil, opened a digital platform to sell Balinese products specifically to State Civil Apparatuses in West Java. In a few days there have been transactions of almost Rp. 500 million from the sale of Balinese handicrafts sold in West Java,” he said.
He added, this shows that transactions can take place even if the buyer is not in Bali, with the (digital) platform they can choose the desired product at an affordable price. [antaranews/photo special]
