Bali hosts mass prayers for upcoming reopening of tourism industry
Besakih Hindu temple
More than a thousand people attended the prayer meeting at Besakih Hindu temple in the town of Karangasem.
Expressing gratitude
The prayer meeting was held to express gratitude for the handling of the new coronavirus on the island and seeking blessings for the start of a "new normal".
Gearing up for September
As tourism is one of the biggest revenue generator, the local government expects to reopen Bali to foreign arrivals in September.
Crippling economy
The occupancy rate at Bali's starred hotels plunged to 2.07% in May, according to Bali statistics bureau data, from 62.55% in December before the pandemic hit and down from 51.56% in May 2019.
Temperature check
All participants went through a temperature check before entering the premises of the temple.
Protocols were followed
People wore masks, maintained social distance and washed hands during the prayer meeting to make sure that the virus does not spread.
Domestic tourism reopening
Tourism-related businesses are preparing to for the reopening by implementing the health protocols, aiming to improve them until Bali reopens for international tourists, said hospitality executive Yoga Iswara.
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