(10/20/2007)
Republika On-Line reports that the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik has identified spiritual tourism as a key product for Bali's future.
According to the Minister, "a source for tourism in Bali for the future is spiritual tourism because of the potentials and possibilities offered in the cities and regions in Bali."
Speaking before a conference on "Major Trends – Opportunities and Investments in Tourism," Wacik said the main market sources for spiritual tourism are from Japan, Europe and the United States. "Tourist coming from these countries have become bored with crowded tourist attractions and are now seeking 'quieter' tourism, such as places for mediation and reflections upon their Creator," he explained.
The Minister said that all locations in Bali have potential for spiritual tourism together with other destinations in Indonesia, such as Tanah Toraja in Sulawesi and Central Java. Wacik emphasized that in addition to the physical location for this form of tourism, it is also essential to have staff trained in meditative practice and yoga.
Commenting separately, Bali's Chief of Tourism, Drs. I Gede Nurjaya, said that the Balinese have a close connection with nature and an all pervading sense of spirituality. The leading government official in charge of Bali's tourism said that the Balinese see nature in a religious context and have a wide range of ritual practice honoring nature. Because of this, said Nurjaya, Bali is the proper choice of location for the development of spiritual tourism.
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