(7/15/2002)
Bali's world-renowned 300-hectare Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), which is home to some 12 hotels offering over 4,500 rooms in combination with numerous shopping, dining, and recreational outlets is now also investing in agriculture.
Mr. Made Mandra, the Managing Director of the BTDC announced the launch of an agricultural investment program in cooperation with the Chairman of the Association of Bali Agro businesses, Mr. Anak Agung N. Alit Wiraputra, S.H., on Thursday, July 11, 2002. The project, to be operated on an 18 hectare plot of land located in the northern sector of the Badung Regency, has been allocated operating funds of Rp. 3 billion (approximately US$ 300,000).
The object of the project is to reduce foreign exchange losses incurred from the tourism sector through maximizing the range of quality agricultural products available on the local market. By using modern technologies and handling equipment, such as the introduction of cold storage facilities, the operators of the new farming project intend to enhance both the variety and the market availability period of otherwise perishable fruits and vegetables available to local hotels and restaurants.
The BTDC project is Bali's only self-contained resort complex using advanced planning concepts and philosophies whose aim is to develop an infrastructure for the benefit of the local population as well as the resort. The planning of roads, electricity, water, telecommunications, and waste treatment plants are integrated into an overall development plan intended to benefit the local population.
The Corporation's latest move into "Agricultural Tourism" is part of BTDC's continuing efforts to play a central role in the development of Bali's economy.
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