Batam - The Riau Islands Province (Kepri) Tourism Service (Dispar) launched the Kepri 2021 Calendar of Events, Friday (5/2/2021) afternoon at Mega Mall Batam Center. In total, 255 events will be held in 2021.

Head of Dispar Kepri, Buralimar said, Kepri has prepared itself to receive foreign tourists and domestic tourists.

"Dispar Kepri and the Ministry are ready to welcome tourists," said Buralimar after launching a calendar of tourism activities.

As for those included in the Kepri Top 10 Tourism Event in 2021 including the Traditional Dragon Boat Race, Tour De Bintan, Bintan Triathlon, IronMan Bintan, Barongsai Festival, Batam Batik Fashion Week, Kepri Maritime Festival, Kenduri Seni Melayu, Kepri Carnival, and Mandiri Bintan Marathon. "The closest one is the International Barongsai Kepri," he said.

That way, in early March the doors of Malaysia and Singapore can be opened for tourism. Citizens of the two countries can participate in the festival.

"The Barongsai Festival is usually followed by 8 teams from Singapore and Malaysia. If it has been opened, maybe even more," he said.

Buralimar hopes that all activities listed in the 2021 Kepri Calendar of Events can run smoothly. Some of the activities were also carried out by regencies and cities in Riau Islands.

In the current Covid-19 pandemic, he explained that it could still be carried out under the supervision of the Covid-19 task force in each district/city.

"Every tourist actor is also obliged to carry out the CHSE. Health protocols are very strict. Like Lagoi and Nongsa," he said.

Meanwhile at the same place, Deputy Chairman II of the Riau Islands Provincial DPRD, Raden Hari Tjahyono said, even during the Covid-19 pandemic conditions, the Riau Islands economy must rise. Especially from the tourism sector.

"If we stay silent, do nothing, it will get worse," said Raden.

His side will also always support the Tourism Office with 255 tourism events in 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic has not ended, his side will also monitor Dispar's performance so that everything is achieved.