Ministry To Set Up Alternative Tourist Destinations

Denpasar, Bali (Antara Bali) -- The Ministry of Tourism will set up alternative tourist sites in East Java and Bali for air passengers who had to canceled their flights due to the eruption of Mount Raung.

"There may be a tour package that can take tourists to some areas between Bali and East Java," Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya said here on Monday.

There are several tourist destinations that can be offered to those whose flights were canceled because airports were affected by volcanic ashes spewed by Mount Raung, the second-highest mountain in East Java.

Some of the destinations that these tourists can visit are Blue Fire in Banyuwangi and Mount Bromo in Probolinggo, both located in East Java, among others.

"These two locations are very attractive, relatively cheap, and part of the package," Yahya affirmed.

The tourists stranded at the airports affected by the volcanic eruption can take advantage of this alternative travel package rather than wait for more than 12 hours at the airports.

At least 75,000 passengers have canceled their flights via Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.

This condition has hit tourism in Bali significantly, even though the June to July period is the province`s peak tourist season.

"We are concerned about the Mount Raung eruption. We are trying to recover from the impact of the disaster," Yahya remarked.

Moreover, foreign tourist arrivals have dropped as a result of the rise in the number of flight cancellations by airlines, due to the eruption of Mount Raung.

However, the minister is optimistic that the free visa policy granted to people from a number of countries will be able to boost tourist arrivals in Indonesia. (WDY)