Indonesia’s tourism sector will be affected by China’s virus outbreak as
Chinese tourists cancel their travel plans, finance minister Sri
Mulyani Indrawati said on Wednesday.
China is one of the biggest sources of tourists for Indonesia, especially for destinations such as the resort island of Bali.
The
virus has killed over 130 people in China and nearly 1,500 new cases
were reported on Tuesday. In a bid to contain its spread, Beijing has
barred tour groups from visiting other countries.
“The tourism
sector will be impacted and this is something that we need to monitor
closely because it is one of economic growth sources that Indonesia
relies on,” Indrawati told reporters.
Bali has already seen nearly 10,000 tourist cancellations, the vice chairman of the Bali Tourism Board said.
Indonesian
airline Lion Air Group said it had suspended six flights routes to
China and will suspend all flights to China starting next month.
She
said Indonesia will also closely monitor how China’s government will
prop up economic growth following the outbreak. China is Indonesia’s top
trade partner and sources of foreign investment.
Nearly 2
million Chinese tourists visited Indonesia between January-November last
year, statistics agency data showed, or around 13% of total tourist
arrivals for that period.
Tourism is among sectors
that Indonesian President Joko Widodo wants to expand in efforts to
boost economic growth that have stayed at around 5% for several years.(Reuters)
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Indonesia's tourism sector will be hit by China virus: finance minister
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