Lombok tourism has reopened for tourists and resumed operations in four prime destinations. Lombok is however struggling hard to attract tourists in the present uncertain environment. The preferred recreational areas of Rinjani, Senggigi, Mandalika and the three Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) reopened for tourists on June 27.
Lalu Moh Faozal, head of the NTB Tourism Agency, stated that they are struggling to continue with tourism as a very low number of tourists are visiting owing to the travel restrictions. He added further that tourism is suffering under new-normal and returning to pre-covid phase, is now a distant dream all though several tourism activities have kicked off.
Fear of the virus infection spread is one of main apprehensions in the mind of people that is discouraging tourists from visiting the tourist spots after they reach the airport. Besides this, over a period due to the fear of virus spread, the three Gili islands were closed for tourists following the regulation issued by NTB Governor Zulkieflimansyah. The three small islets to the northwest of Lombok Island were among the most popular tourists destination in Indonesia. These are paradise for divers and snorkelers, the islets also offer a host of surprises to those who long for quiet shorelines, with numerous tourist huts offering an ocean view.
Mount Rinjani, the second-highest mountain in Indonesia, a preferred spot for all hikers is also closed since March 16. And, Senggigi and Mandalika, the main tourist strips on the island, remained closed since May.
Tags: Diving, Hiking, Lombok tourism, pandemic, snorekeling, Tourism, Tourism Indonesia, Travel Destination, West Nusa Tenggara
