Bali "mourns" the decline of its' tourist industry

The October 1st attacks seem to have delivered the final blow to a sector already brought to its knees by the 2002 bombs and the fear of Tsunami and Sars.  In the last few months the arrival of foreigners on the island has dropped below 60% and the government has yet to seriously address the issue of guaranteeing security.

Bali (AsiaNews/Agenzie) – Bali's tour operators are seriously concerned about the future of  their industry, lifeblood not only of the island's economy, but also a key generator of foreign currency for Indonesia.  Last October's deadly terror attacks has stopped short the flow of international tourists, already down in the wake of the 2002 bombings, the Sars scare of 2003 , the Tsunami and this years threat of avian flu. Moreover the government has yet to put in place measures to guarantee security in the area.

According to official figures, since October 1st - when explosions in 3 separate restaurants killed 20 people – foreign tourism has fallen by 60%, from an average 5 thousand daily arrivals to 2,100. Bagus Sudibya of Bali's tourist office warns that the islands is loosing an average 2 million dollars a day.  Indonesia's tourist industry produces 5 billion dollars per annum, four fifths of which come from Bali.  Tourism counts for 85% of the island's economy, the main source of income for it's 2 million inhabitants.

Following the 2002 Bali bombings, which left 202 people dead, the island witnessed a steep rise in unemployment and the collapse of many small businesses.  At the time a third of the islands labour force lost their jobs.  Hotels and restaurants emptied to such an extent that owners closed them down, many taking advantage of the slump to carry out renovations, in the hope that the down turn would end.  Today, however, it seems that that hope has vanished.   

"Bali is in mourning – exclaims  Komang, manager of a cheap beach side hotel – people don't know any more if they will be able to put a meal on their table".

Many directors fear that foreign tourism will never again reach the levels of last year.  Hoteliers have not yet fired their staff but 60% are paid half wage to stay at home.

Putu Ekawati, manager of  Nusa Dua Bali Hotel,  recounts that this Christmas and New year the hotel was full to 90%, but that "reservations for February are only at 9%".

Official measures to bolster security and promote Bali as a safe tourist destination have been ineffective.

Tjokorda Oka Sukawati, chairman of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association,  says that "There are no concrete steps yet on security measures, and if the government is not responsive... I'm worried this will hinder the recovery in tourism". 

Among the measures proposed by Jakarta, is the creation of a Bali Security Council, with the job of coordinating security operations between the villages, resorts and provinces.  

Bali's former police chief, Made Mangku Pastika, has proposed a regional law requiring security systems, including closed-circuit television cameras, in all hotels, restaurants, and public areas, but so far local legislators haven't formulated any bill on it.  Hotel and restaurant operators say they have been left to improve security on their own premises. "We are very worried - said a local hotelier -  that if a security system is not in place, it will be hard for us (to promote Bali),"".

• INDONESIA
• BALI
• ATTACKS
• TURISM
• TERRORISM
• INDUSTRY
• DEVELOPEMENT