Earthquake Destroys Tens Hospitality Venues in Flores
- 26 Agt 2026 20:39 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- ASITA NTT is urging authorities to restore attractions, amenities and accessibility to accelerate Flores' tourism recovery after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake.
- Travel agencies say safety verification, infrastructure rehabilitation and clear public information are essential to rebuild tourist confidence and revive tourism marketing.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Executive Agency (BPO-LBF) revealed that, as of August 24, 2026, the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) had affected 54 hospitality venues, causing severe damage to 47 hotels, restaurants, and cafes, while seven others sustained light demage.
The Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is urging authorities to accelerate the recovery of Flores' tourism sector post-earthquake through the systematic restoration of the 3A framework: attractions, amenities, and accessibility.
On the attractions front, seven tourist destinations have officially reopened, while 11 remain temporarily closed, with two suffering severe structural damage. Conversely, regional air accessibility has rebounded rapidly, with all six airports across Flores returning to normal operational status by August 24.
Travel industry heads stressed that clear safety disclosures, synchronized physical rehabilitation, and community psychological recovery are vital to restoring international travel trade partnerships. Chairman of ASITA in NTT, Oyan Kristian emphasized that verifying functional infrastructure forms the foundation of destination recovery.
"The three core prerequisites, amenities, accessibility, and attractions, must be thoroughly prepared and confirmed operational before bringing tourists back, the most critical step is ensuring that these destinations are certified safe and fully ready to receive visitors," Oyan said when contacted from Jakarta on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
He highlighted the role of accurate public information in empowering travel agencies to resume marketing regional tour packages. "Travel agencies need to confidently convey to tourists that we are ready and that destinations are prepared, media outlets must simultaneously run positive campaigns confirming that destinations have recovered, supported by clear government verification," Oyan added. ***
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