A post-Covid-19 tourism discussion initiated by the Bali Hotels Association (BHA). (photo: courtesy)
BALI was among the hardest-hit regions in Indonesia when the Covid-19 pandemic struck in early 2020. As an international tourism hub, the island relied heavily on foreign arrivals. But when international flights came to a halt, Bali’s bustling hotels suddenly stood empty. Thousands of employees were laid off, many properties were forced to close, and the island’s economy collapsed.
Amid this crisis, the Bali Hotels Association (BHA) emerged as the frontline guardian of the hospitality industry. Under the leadership of Fransiska Handoko—General Manager of Risata Bali Resort & Spa and the first woman ever elected as BHA Chair—the association played a crucial role in protecting Bali’s hotel sector and safeguarding the island’s tourism industry.
read also: When the Covid-19 Pandemic Changed the Face of Bali Tourism
BHA acted swiftly by drafting internationally recognized health protocol guidelines. Member hotels were provided with clear standards on Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environment (CHSE), ensuring that guests would feel safe once Bali reopened to travelers.
One of the most significant initiatives was BHA’s involvement in vaccination campaigns. In collaboration with the government and health associations, BHA mobilized its member hotels as vaccination centers. Thousands of tourism workers were vaccinated early, preparing Bali to welcome visitors under strict health safeguards.
Recognizing the struggles of furloughed employees, BHA launched a series of online training programs covering service excellence, digital marketing, and crisis management. The association also addressed the mental wellbeing of hospitality workers through dedicated wellness initiatives.
BHA served as a vital bridge between the hotel industry and the government, engaging in policy discussions on travel restrictions, advocating for travel corridors, and pushing for the expedited reopening of Bali’s international airport.
Beyond policy, BHA organized donation drives to provide food assistance for hotel employees who lost their jobs, working hand in hand with local communities and social organizations to support families during these difficult times.
Even while borders remained closed, BHA amplified Bali’s presence on the global stage through digital campaigns and international partnerships, reinforcing the message that the island would always be ready to welcome the world back.
BHA’s presence during the Covid-19 pandemic stands as a testament to the solidarity of Bali’s hospitality sector. Through coordination, innovation, and social responsibility, the association not only kept businesses afloat but also uplifted the spirits of thousands of displaced tourism workers.
The leadership of Fransiska Handoko marked a new chapter for women in Bali’s tourism industry—her role as BHA Chair will be remembered as an important milestone in the island’s history of resilience and recovery. **
