Purwokerto (ANTARA) – Any plans to make tourism and creative economy centers as COVID-19 vaccination centers should be welcomed, tourism observer from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman Chusmeru stated in Purwokerto, Banyumas, Central Java, on Wednesday.
Chusmeru made the statement in response to Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahudin Uno’s push for the establishment of vaccination centers at tourism and creative economy centers in order to expedite the process in the country.
Chusmeru opined that vaccinations at tourism destinations reflect the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy’s commitment to reviving the tourism sector impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At the very least, this vaccination will yield two positive results. The first is that vaccination at the tourism center can support the government’s efforts to attain herd immunity among members of the public,” Chusmeru noted.
Moreover, Chusmeru believes that vaccinations at tourism locations demonstrate the tourism sector’s readiness to create a safe destination for caretakers and tourists.
“Even so, three aspects should be taken into account for vaccinations at tourism centers. The first is that vaccination should be offered free to tourists, as it is a national program,” Chusmeru emphasized.
The second area of focus according to Chusmeru is that vaccination should be conducted in open tourism locations, such as beaches or recreation parks, as they are well-ventilated as compared to closed tourism destinations.
The third point Chusmeru brought up was for the government to consider conducting free vaccinations for tourists staying at hotels or other lodging locations in addition to tourism destinations.
“This is also conducted to revive the hotel sector that has experienced a slump since the pandemic struck,” Chusmeru pointed out.
The tourism observer further gave due importance to conducting vaccinations in compliance with strict health protocols.
Source: Antara News