BALI UPDATE #308 - 12 August 2002

Exclusive Report on Arrival Statistics

Statistical Review of Bali's Direct Arrivals for January – June 2002.

Figures provided by the Provincial office of Tourism, covering the first 6 months of 2002, provide insights into a tourism industry still suffering from the aftereffects of the events of September 11 and the lingering economic crisis in many traditional source countries for visitors to Bali.

Total Arrivals

During the first half of the year, total direct foreign arrivals were down -4.29% at 651,654. However, indications that tourism may be on the road to recovery are found in the fact that by May and June arrivals had manage to turn the corner, surpassing arrivals for the same months in 2001, by +7.4% and +1.4% respectively.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific arrivals mirrored the patterns in aggregate arrivals, down -4.33% for the first half of the year at 367,758. The island's number one source of visitors decreased –5.47%, totaling 139,780 visitors and reflecting a weaker Yen and domestic economic problems in Japan. All is not lost, however, with Japanese visitors showing a dramatic turn around starting in May and June.

Australia, traditionally the 2^nd largest source of visitors to Bali, decreased -22.57% standing at 90,817 for the first half of the year on the heels of reduced capacity following from the bankruptcy of Ansett Airlines and higher air fares and ticket taxes ex Australia.

ASEAN

Arrivals from the 9 countries that comprise the Association of South East Asian Nations demonstrate that short-haul traffic remains buoyant, with ASEAN arrivals increasing +25.40%, totaling 37,044. The Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore all posted strong visitor totals improvement while Thailand visitors backtracked during the first half of the year.

The America's

American visitors, frightened by negative travel advisories posted by their Department of State, continued to stay away from Indonesia and Bali. Total U.S. arrivals of 27,289 were down -30.82% for the first half of 2002. Canadian visitors decreased –14.08% but, unlike their southern neighbors, showed signs of turnaround in May and June.

Europe

Europeans visitors to Bali decreased only slightly at –2.73% in the first half of the year, totaling 199,488. Leading the decline were the U.K. and Swiss markets, decreasing –9.65% and –22.43% respectively. Among the bright notes from Europe, the resolution of the East Timor political situation has apparently rekindled a surge in Portuguese visitors to Bali.

Download all numbers to your computer!

Direct Arrivals to Bali by Nationality (Microsoft Excel, *.xls, 402KB)

Direct Arrivals to Bali by Nationality (Adobe Acrobat, *.pdf, 70 KB)

More Seats for the Asking

Singapore Airlines Prepared to Increase Seats to Bali, If Asked.

During an early August meeting with Bali's Governor, I Dewa Beratha, senior local managers of Singapore Airlines (SIA) pledged their willingness to cooperate with Bali in the promotion of its tourism product.

At the meeting held between SIA's Senior Vice President, P.C. The, Indonesian Country Manager, Mr. Hew Chuen Chiet, and Governor Beratha, the airline indicated its readiness to increase its current level of four flights per week if requested to do so by Bali's tourism industry.

SIA, already Bali's largest inbound carrier from many overseas markets, also told the Governor that they remain prepared to continue their support of efforts to promote Bali in Europe and other markets abroad.

I'll Show You Mine If You'll Show Me Yours

Garuda and Indonesia To Accept Each Other's Tickets.

On July 31, 2002, Garuda Indonesia (GA) and Merpati Nusantara Airlines (MZ) signed an agreement establishing endorsable ticket facilities between the two carriers.

Initially, tickets will only be totally interchangeable over the 9 routes identically operated by the two airlines, including Aceh-Makassar; Aceh-Maumere (Flores); Aceh-Merauke (Irian); Medan (Sumatra)–Ambon; Medan–Maumere; and Medan-Merauke.

The next phase in the closer ticketing cooperation between GA and MZ will see the endoreseable ticket facility extended to 232 additional routes permitting interline connections written on either company's ticket stock.

Future cooperation between the two airline to reduce costs and improve efficiency will include efforts to improve on time performance; mutual adherence to bank settlement plans (BSP) to streamline inter-company payment of accounts; and cooperation in the areas of maintenance, marketing and general operations.

Visa Length to be Reduced?

Hinted that 60 Days Visa on Arrival to be Reduced to 30 Days.

The National News Agency Antara reports that consideration is now being given by the Government to shorten from 60 to 30 days the validity period given to tourists from some 48 countries upon arrival in Indonesia.

Quoting the Director General of Immigration, Iman Santoso, in comments made during a recent visit to Bali, he confirmed that the change to reduce visa validity periods was receiving serious review by the Government as a means to reduce widespread abuse of visa facilities.

Presumably, should the new policy be introduced, visas for bona fide tourists visitor wishing to stay more than 30 days will be available via formal application to the Consular Section of an Indonesian Embassy or Overseas Consulate.

No formal date has been announced for the proposed change.

We Get Mail

Readers Write to Tell Us What's on Their Mind.

More Human Interest Stories

Update reader Carole Sainte-Marie, sainte_marie63@hotmail.com, wrote in to tell us what she likes best about Bali Update:

I am always eager to read your weekly articles. They have numerous qualities: informative to the travel agent that I am, short and direct to the point, on top of being well written.

I appreciate another aspect even more: you talk about events that take place in the everyday life of people. So Bali becomes more than just a place, it has a beating heart. By awaking the foreigners' consciousness about the arts, problems and suffering as well as solutions being implemented, we can then realize how "we are all one;" only the setting changes. The article on the exhibition from the Kupu Kupu Foundation and its link is a good example. I am profoundly touched by this information.

Is Bali Really the Best?

Our coverage of Travel and Leisure Magazine's selection of Bali as the best island in the world evoked the following reaction from an Australian reader, Chris Howard, chrish@garuda.com.au:

I find these results hard to believe as Bali now seems to be ridiculously expensive and passenger numbers have dropped.

Who Goes There – Friend or Foe?

Our editorial on the political nature of U.S. Travel Advisories elicited a large number of visitors to balidiscovery.com and some lively comments from readers.

Herbert Wolf, hwolf@airliners-ca.net, from Toronto, Canada wrote to say:

Your editorial has hit the proverbial nail right on its head. The U.S. government's outdated travel advisory for Indonesia is just one more piece of evidence that shows how out of sync the Bush administration is with the real world out there.

It's surely no consolation to your readers that Indonesia is just one example of a confused and purposely belligerent foreign policy. If this policy were driven by old-fashioned common sense and an actual interest in its global neighbors, this travel advisory would have long since been updated and revised. Let's hope that the American public, like Travel & Leisure, is smarter and more astute than the people responsible for this particular "advisory." Three cheers to your ongoing efforts on behalf of travel to Bali.

The Head of a leading marketing consulting group, Lighthouse Corporation, Mr. Harrison, harrison@lighthousecorporation.com, wrote:

Excellent writing ... keep up the good work...

Bali Update loves to hear from its readers. Tell us what's on your mind.

American Chamber of Commerce in Bali

Efforts Underway to Establish Bali Presence for American Businesses.

Established in 1971, the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (AmCham Indonesia) is currently networking to establish a "Bali Committee."

The goals of AmCham Indonesia are to provide a voice for the opinions and concerns of American business people and those doing business with United States in the areas of trade, commerce, finance, agriculture, and industry. In addition, the Association disseminates useful information among its members, making representations to both the host government and to U.S. policymakers on issues of importance to the U.S. business community.

AmCham Indonesia operates in Indonesia in cooperation with KADIN - the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Jakarta.

On Saturday, July 27, 2002, an informal get-together of potential core Bali committee members was hosted by Palanquin Bali with wines sponsored by Primerbali. At that event, Mr. Arian Ardie, AmCham Indonesia's Second Vice President spoke on the organization and the range of possible activities for Bali members.

A special membership category costing only US$70 per year has been set up for Bali based business people interested in joining the Association. Membership is open to Americans, American businesses and other companies doing business with the United States.

More information: AmCham Indonesia's Website

Ramada's Jeffrey Wibisono Promoted

One of Bali's Leading Sales Professionals Now in Operational Role.

Jeffrey Wibisono, the current Director of Sales at the Ramada Bintang Bali, has been promoted to Executive Assistant Manager, effective from August 1, 2002.

In announcing the promotion, Yonki Damianto, the Resort's General Manager cited Jeffrey's distinguished performance in a number of roles since joining the Ramada Bintang Bali in August of 1995. His first position at the Resort was as a Sales Manager responsible for the Oceania, Middle East, African, U.S. and Airline accounts. He then was promoted as the Public Relations & Accounts Manager until again being promoted as Director of Sales in October of 1999.

Active in the Bali SKAL Chapter, Jeffrey has received numerous awards and recognitions including being given a silver medal as the "Most Sympathetic Public Relations Manager" and another silver medal as the "Most Congenial Public Relations Manager" by Bali Travel News in 2001 and 1999, respectively.

More information: Congratulate Jeffrey by E-mail

Bali Hyatt Shapes Up!

Sanur Resort Opens New Fitness Center.

The legendary Bali Hyatt has launched a new Fitness Center to complement its highly rated Spa facility.

Located on the ground floor of the 390-room resort near the Hibiscus Court, the Center is available to in-house guests daily from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.. The Center is equipped with "Life Fitness Equipment," including a Multi-Gym, dumbbells, recumbent cycle, cross trainer, treadmill, and a Concept II rowing machine.

Children staying in the hotel over the age of 10 years and supervised by an adult will also be allowed access to the facility.

Commenting on the new Fitness Center, the Bali Hyatt's General Manager, Brad Kirk, speaking at the opening of the Center, suggested guests can "stay fit with the new Fitness Center and then indulge themselves at the Spa at Bali Hyatt. A perfect reward after a tough workout."

The Spa at Bali Hyatt offers a complete range of traditional spa therapies in a stand-alone facility within the resort built to resemble a traditional Balinese courtyard. Treatments are offered either individually or in personalized packages given by a team of highly trained therapists. Designed for couples and popular with honeymooners, the exclusive private Spa Villas features a private bathroom, shower and a hydrotherapy bath.

More information: Book a Stay at the Bali Hyatt Resort

BIWA Raising Money to Fight AIDS

Bali International Women's Association Sets Rp. 500 Million Goal.

The Bali International Women's Association (BIWA) has committed itself to raising Rp. 500 million (approximately US$ 55,000) via its annual fund-raising bazaar to assist in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The Annual BIWA Charity Bazaar, scheduled to be held in November of this year, is a highlight of the local community calendar with sold-out participation via sales booths manned by local restaurants, associations, and businesses. Thousands of visitors, tourists, and local residents flock each year to the day-long event of games, entertainment, and music organized by the association of expatriate and local woman who form the membership of BIWA.

Major sponsors are being sought in exchange for prominent exposure on all advertisements for the event and during the actual bazaar. Sponsors may also donate major door prizes and silent auction raffle items.

The targeted Rp. 500 million will be used to improve the physical facilities of several Bali orphanages, provide scholarships to orphans, and fund education programs to prevent the spread of AIDS and HIV.

For more information on sponsorship or the event, telephone/facsimile to ++62-361-735082.

More information: BIWA E-mail

PATA and Positioning

Bali & NTB Chapter to Host Feng Shui Seminar.

The Bali and Nusa Tenggara Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is hosting a one-day seminar on Feng Shui on Thursday, August 22, 2002.

The seminar, to be held at the Radisson Hotel Sanur, will be conducted by Mr. Dian Setiawan, a well known Indonesian business consultant and student of the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui. The morning session will address the use of Feng Shui in the physical organization of the work environment, while the afternoon session will look at future business prospects from the perspective of a Feng Shui soothsayer.

The seminar, including lunch and materials, costs Rp. 200,000 for PATA members and Rp. 300,000 for all others.

For more information contact Ms. Narima Yusuf via the provided e-mail link.

More information: Feng Shui E-mail