Tour Operators Urge Safety Assurance Before Promoting Flores Tourism Post-Quake

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies' (ASITA) East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Chapter has called on the government to ensure the safety of tourist destinations before issuing official statements that would allow businesses to resume promoting visits to Flores following the August 15 earthquake.

ASITA NTT Chair Oyan Kristian stressed that verified information from authorities is essential to reassure travelers.

“What is urgently needed now is the government’s commitment to repairing infrastructure at tourist sites including roads damaged by the quake, cracked buildings, and facilities used by visitors must all be declared safe,” he said on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He urged the government to release an official statement letter that can serve as a reference for tour operators and travel agencies in communicating with tourists. Such a document, he said, must contain validated information to provide certainty about destination conditions.

According to Oyan, positive campaigns about safe destinations must be backed by clear legitimacy from the Ministry of Tourism, local administrations, and other stakeholders. “Travel agents can then inform tourists that destinations are ready, while media can highlight recovery stories to rebuild confidence,” he added.

A report from the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPO-LBF) on August 24 noted that 11 attractions remain temporarily closed, seven sustained minor damage, two suffered severe damage, and seven have reopened. Oyan said these figures underline the importance of thorough assessments before declaring areas safe.

He emphasized that coordinated campaigns should involve government, travel businesses, media, and tourism stakeholders, but must rest on verified safety conditions. “An official statement letter is needed as legitimacy that destinations are ready to welcome visitors again,” he said.

BPO-LBF also confirmed that six airports across Flores have reopened and are operating normally, signaling progress in restoring accessibility for tourism in the region. ***