Karangasem Tourism Operators Anxious Over Emergence of Hantavirus

Tourism operators in Karangasem Regency are growing anxious about the emergence of hantavirus in several countries. This situation is feared to affect tourist visits, which have recently begun to improve.

Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) in Karangasem, I Wayan Kariasa, stated that tourism operators in Karangasem are only just starting to recover after being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic a few years ago. Now, the appearance of hantavirus is feared to once again impact the tourism sector.

“We as tourism operators are certainly worried if the handling is negligent like with COVID-19, because tourism is very sensitive,” said Kariasa on Wednesday (13/5/2026).

Kariasa revealed that based on official data and information, there have been no reports of incidents directly affecting the tourism sector in Karangasem to date. Hotel and restaurant operations are still running normally, while tourist visits remain stable.

Nevertheless, his side is requesting that the government take anticipatory measures by tightening Bali’s entry points through health screenings and other prevention efforts. In addition, the Health Department is asked to prepare an early detection system to prevent the spread of the virus in Bali.

“The government must maximise prevention efforts. Do not let an incident like COVID-19 happen again,” said Kariasa.

Kariasa admitted that hotel occupancy rates in Karangasem Regency are beginning to increase compared to the previous month. Previously, the average hotel occupancy was at 30-40 percent, now it has risen to 45-50 percent.

“I hope it continues to increase. Especially this week there will be a long weekend, hopefully there will be another increase from local or domestic tourists,” hoped Kariasa.