In terms of attraction, the Tourism Crisis Center stated that Talise beach, which regularly serves as a venue for big events, has been damaged by the tsunami, as well as several historical sites.
ollowing the 7.4-magnitude earthquake and the subsequent tsunami that shattered Palu city and Donggala regency in Central Sulawesi on Friday, the Tourism Ministry's Tourism Crisis Center (TCC) has started to monitor and collect data related to the tourism ecosystem, especially regarding attraction, accessibility and amenities.
In terms of attraction, the TCC stated that Talise beach, which regularly serves as a venue for big events, has been damaged by the tsunami, as well as several historical sites.
"All cultural festivals in Palu have been canceled, such as Palu Nomoni Festival and the anniversary celebration series of World Habitat Day 2018 in Palu, which was scheduled for Sept. 29 to Oct. 3," said Tourism Minister Arief Yahya in a statement on Sunday as quoted by kompas.com.
According to the statement, Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport in Palu, Central Sulawesi, opened on Sept. 30 at 8:57 a.m. local time for limited operation for commercial flights.
Other than Palu airport, other airports such as Mamuju and Luwuk Bangai airports were also damaged but remain operable.
Other airports around Palu city, such as Andi Jemma-Masamba, Lagaligo-Bua, Rampi, Bone, Tanjung Api Ampana, Pongtiku-Tana Toraja, Haluoleo-Kendari, Kasiguncu-Poso, Pogogul-Boul and Sultan Bantilan-Tolitoli airports are reportedly in a safe condition.
To reach Palu city, Mamuju airport in West Sulawesi, which now has longer operating hours, serves as an alternative. For sea access, Pantoloan Port in Palu is said to be the most damaged port in the region. Its service is momentarily halted until further notice.
Read also: Voice, SMS services in earthquake-hit Central Sulawesi restored: Telkomsel
Other ports that were damaged are Wani and Ogoamas ports. Meanwhile Ampana, Luwuk, Belang-Belang and Majene ports are still in good condition.
Routes to Palu either from Makassar or Gorontalo-Manado through Parigi Moutong-Kebun Kopi are also not available.
The TCC also stated that several amenities were affected, including Roa-Roa Hotel (80 rooms), Santika Palu Hotel (140 rooms), Mercure Palu Hotel (130 rooms) and Swissbell Hotel Silae Palu (126 rooms). (kes)
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