The volcanic activity of Mount Agung in Bali has begun to impact tourism in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

The NTB chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) said the cancellation of foreign tourist packages to Lombok had been reported throughout this week.

“The impact can be felt now as there have been cancellations of tour packages. The eruption of Mt. Barujari in Lombok impacted Bali and now the same thing is happening to us,” said PHRI NTB advisor I Gusti Lanang Patra on Thursday.

Read also: Human activity continues in Mt. Agung's danger zone

He said five countries had issued travel advisories related to Mt. Agung’s volcanic activity, advising their citizens not to visit Bali.

Lanang said more countries would issue travel advisories if Mt. Agung’s volcanic activity continued.

“Bali is the main entrance point for foreign tourists to Lombok. We [Lombok] have direct flights only with Malaysia and Singapore. Most foreign tourists, around 60 percent, come here from Bali. Once Mt. Agung erupts and disrupt flights to the island and its surrounding areas, we’ll be affected,” said Lanang. (ebf)

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