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Mask-restriction easing: Regent Ipuk invites tourists to breathe Banyuwangi’s fresh air
Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani welcomes President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's relaxation of the mask policy. It demonstrates the government's ability to control the pandemic and restore the economy, including through the tourism sector.
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B
anyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani welcomes President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's relaxation of the mask policy. It demonstrates the government's ability to control the pandemic and restore the economy, including through the tourism sector.
"Since there is now a policy that allows you to take off your masks outdoor, come join us and breathe the fresh air here in Banyuwangi," said Ipuk.
Alas Purwo and the Ijen Crater Tourism Park have been designated as World Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO, which were later named the Blambangan Nature Reserve.
Ipuk continued by saying that Banyuwangi is suitable for tourists who want to try various outdoor tours. This regency has two national parks, namely the Alas Purwo Park and Meru Betiri Parks. Alas Purwo, along with the Ijen Crater Tourism Park, has been designated as a World Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. Together, they have been renamed the Blambangan Nature Reserve.
Banyuwangi is also home to National Geoparks, specifically for the Ijen Crater area, Pulau Merah Beach and Alas Purwo National Park. They are currently under submission to become part of the world geopark network, UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG).
Ipuk said that a significant number of people are looking for destinations with clean air. This is especially true for the foreign tourist segment as well as the upper-middle class.
“Traveling nowadays is not just a matter of having fun. It's also a way to improve physical and mental health. Banyuwangi is the right destination, with its fresh air, natural beauty and cultural richness,” said Ipuk. She also encourages tour operators and hotels to make curated health-travel programs with traditional therapies, outdoor activities in national parks or Ijen Crater and healthy food.
Banyuwangi is also hosting several events including the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour at Plengkung Beach (G-Land) from May 28 to June 6.
The WSL Championship Tour is an international surfing event that has been receiving worldwide attention and is the world's most prestigious surfing league, starting in 1976. Since then, only the world's top professional surfers have achieved the title of “best of the best” in the competition.
The Plengkung Beach (G-Land) is indeed known as a paradise for surfers. The waves are considered some of the best in the world, making it the perfect backdrop for the WSL Championship Tour.
“The location of G-Land is in the Alas Purwo National Park area, which is so very rich in flora and fauna. The world's surfers don't only surf; they can enjoy the beauty and the fresh air in Alas Purwo National Park," said Ipuk.
Alas Purwo National Park is home to 700 species of flora, 50 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 15 species of amphibians and 48 species of reptiles. Since 2018, the main road access to this area has been paved, thus making it easier for travelers.
