Want to travel to West Sumatra in 'new normal' era? let's see this simulation

Padang (ANTARA) - Tourism Office of W Sumatra held a simulation of tourist arrivals to the province by implementing health protocols according to policies required in the 'new normal' era.

"We simulate and document it as a reference for tourists and tourism businesses in W Sumatra on how the health protocol standards that should be met during the 'new normal' era, said the Head of W Sumatra Tourism Office, Novrial in Padang, Tuesday.

For example, two tourists namely Tyas and Roos came from Jakarta to vacation in her hometown, Ranah Minang/ W Sumatra.

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Their destination are Bukittinggi Tourism City which has implemented a 'new normal' and has begun to reopen a number of hotels and tourist attractions for tourists.

Health procedures at Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) are carried out according to SOP based on COVID-19 health protocol.

Head of Regional Airport Authority VI, Agoes and EGM Angkasa Pura II Yos Suwagiono said the SOP applied at BIM is an international standard both at the arrival and departure terminals.

After the airport, Tyas and Roos went to Bukittinggi but they stopped for lunch in Padang Panjang.

The Head of Promotion of the W Sumatra Tourism Office, Hendri Agung Indrianto said his party had a recommendation from a restaurant that had carried out health procedures from the Padang Panjang City Government, namely RM Pondok Baramas.

Before entering the restaurant, their temperature are checked using a thermo gun, then directed to wash hands and keep a distance before making an order.

Payment is recommended using a debit card, although the cash system is still serviced by a regulated procedure no direct contact.

In addition, restaurant employees are also required to use masks and gloves even some have used face shields.

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"This place also routinely sprayes disinfectants to keep locations free from COVID-19. This SOPs can be used as a reference for other restaurants to welcome guests in the new normal era," he explained.

Two tourists went to one of Bukittinggi's top destinations, Ngarai Sianok in the Panorama Park. To be able to access the tourist attractions, they have to follow the required health protocols, such as using a mask.

Then they stay at the Novotel Bukittinggi Hotel which has implemented a strict SOP for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and its supporting facilities.

Guests who came were welcomed by staff who wore masks, were immediately checked for body temperature with a thermo gun, and also hand washing, checked in at reception which had a glass barrier that separated the FO staff and guests who checked in.

Receptionists also wear face shields, masks and gloves. Standing in front of the Front Desk has also been arranged to maintain Physical Distancing.

Novotel Bukittinggi has also implemented a breakfast buffet service with 'new normal' procedures. Guests are not allowed to take their breakfast alone, they should stand in line while keeping a distance, order what guests want then the staff will pick it up and deliver it to the table.

To avoid the spread of viruses, conventional menus have also been replaced with the digital menu by scanning a barcode using a smartphone.

"We hope that this simulation can show that W Sumatra is ready to receive visitors after almost two months was closed. However, tourists are required to follow health protocols to avoid COVID-19," Agung said.

Transleted by: Mutiara Ramadhani

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