Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has asked tourists to anticipate extreme weather at several tourist destinations during this year’s holiday period.

“Tourists must anticipate and be careful, prioritize safety, and continue to coordinate with local authorities and ensure that their visits are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable,” he said after attending a limited meeting with President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace, here on Monday.

The government has observed extreme weather, such as high waves and rainfall exceeding predictions, among others, at several leading tourist destinations, he informed.

He asked tourists to anticipate extreme weather by coordinating with officials and related parties.

The minister further said that the government has made preparations for the holidays with around 44–45 million tourist trips forecast during the period.

The government is also monitoring the increasing trend of visits to economic centers.

Uno said that the government has also appealed to committees of year-end events, especially music concerts, to pay attention to the safety and security aspects and the implementation of health protocols.

“So that they (the events) can run smoothly and can drive the economy and open up business opportunities and jobs for many people who now need economic stimulation, especially the economies in priority tourism areas,” he added.

To accommodate tourists, whose number is expected to increase toward the end of the year, President Widodo has instructed Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi to add flight slots.

Minister Uno said that flight slots will be added at some major airports, such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Juanda International Airport (SUB), Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), and Kualanamu International Airport (KNO).

Apart from that, slots at tourist destinations would also be increased.

Source: Antara News