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THE PANDEMIC that has shaken tourism has made tourists more critical in finding accommodation so they can vacation safely and comfortably.
“Tourists are looking for added value, for example whether accommodation is clean, what kind of safety measures, consumers are also now more critical,” said Country Head OYO Hotels and Homes Indonesia Agus Hartono Wijaya at an online press conference, Wednesday (3/02).
The main factor in choosing accommodation at a vacation spot is now not only the price, but also the cleanliness guaranteed by the innkeeper to ensure the safety and health of guests.
Another thing that is different from tourism during a pandemic is the younger age group of tourists, as well as the way people go on vacation.
Before the pandemic, people could travel with groups to tourist attractions. At a time when distance must be maintained to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, tourists are now choosing to travel in small groups for mutual safety.
Speaking of trends and preferences, “staycation” and “workcation” are still the prima donna, Agus said. “Staycation” is popular for people who want to find accommodation with complete facilities as a place to unwind, while “workcation” is becoming increasingly popular with the emergence of the policy of working from home so that work can be done without having to go to the office.
“The occupancy rate since August 2021 has increased, although it hasn’t returned to the same as 2019, but the direction is positive,” he said optimistically.
Domestic tourism is more visible nowadays because tourists prefer traveling to places that are easier to reach. According to him, the tourist village that is being promoted by the government is also an attractive alternative tourism for consumers who want to vacation in the country.
The tourist village has an attraction for tourists because of the thick rural atmosphere. Tourists will also have a different experience with the warmth of local wisdom, customs in each village and unique culinary delights. [antaranews/photo special]
