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Meeting and Conference Business from Australia Expected to Return to Bali in 2008.
The hospitality industry in Bali is optimistic of more MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) business from Australia following the recent success of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
More than 10,000 participants from nearly 190 counties attended the two-week conference in December to discuss rising global temperatures, creating the largest conference ever held in Indonesia.
While media attention was riveted on the deliberations of the conference, the tourism and hospitality industry was delighted with the positive messages sent out by the outstanding planning and trouble-free implementation of the massive catering, meetings and security agendas.
"We were especially delighted to see that the Prime Minister of Australia made this conference his first official overseas assignment," said Garuda Indonesia's General Manager of Australia and the South-West Pacific Poerwoko Soeparyono.
"After many headlines about travel warnings over the years, there was the Australian Prime Minister and his team working in safety and harmony in Bali with leaders from around the world."
"The global acclaim that greeted the running of this conference is a wonderful lead-in to the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 (VIY08) and is expected to give a further boost to Australian visitor numbers," Soeparyono said.
Bali Hotels Association (BHA) Chairman Michael Burchett said the UNFCCC has given Bali enormous positive coverage worldwide, which will enhance the growing interest in Bali as a primary choice for the MICE industry.
"The challenges posed by past events have been overcome through the combined efforts of the Government, Tourism Industry at large, and everyone who believed in Bali. Happily, late 2006 saw the return of MICE to Bali from many traditional markets, with the noted exception of Australia, and growth in 2007 has been significant. Hopefully the Australian MICE market can renew their belief and confidence in Bali and return," said Burchett, who is General Manager of the Conrad Bali Resort and Spa.
Bali tourism identity and publisher Jack Daniels (Bali Update, Bali Discovery Tours and the annual Bali MICE Guide) says there's no doubt that the UNFCCC was a watershed, showing the world that Bali can successfully host a conference of vital importance to the world community.
"To be truthful, the size of the UNFCCC somewhat exceeded the carrying capacity of Bali's MICE infrastructure, so over-dominating the landscape that tour operators, attractions, and local shops beyond the Nusa Dua area went relatively quiet during the period of the conference itself. Mind you, we're not complaining."
"What's refreshing is that Bali itself and the rest of the world will now think of the Climate Change Conference whenever the name "Bali" is mentioned. Bali's been laboring much too long under the unjustified yoke of terrorism 'branding;' whereas the conference will go a long way in explaining that our island is as safe as anywhere else in this post-modernist world."
"Most encouraging, the MICE industry is playing an increasingly larger role in Bali's tourism future. Just week's before the start of the UNFCCC the Grand Hyatt opened a massive Ballroom capable of hosting, in addition to the Bali International Convention Center, large scale conferences and meetings in Bali."
"The overall design of the newly opened 40 hectare Bali Safari & Marine Park is also taking into account the needs and possibilities of the MICE market. The final design there will include a 1,500 person state-of-the-art performance center, underwater conference rooms surrounded by marine life, and almost limitless theme party options."
The Director of Sales & Marketing InterContinental Bali Resort, Suzette Deveau, said the UNFCCC event has definitely put Bali back in the spotlight and there has been an extremely positive response from international MICE planners since early 2007.
"I think that there has always been an awareness of Bali's potential and the Australian MICE market is just a little slow to rebound. The Australian leisure travellers are now returning, so demand is back.
"In fact we now have some potential leads from Australia for events to be scheduled during 2008. We will also be attending the AIME show in February in Melbourne."
"In addition, hosting Australia's new Prime Minister, Mr. Kevin Rudd, at the Heads of State Meeting (at the UNFCCC) was a great opportunity for the Resort. It was an encouraging sign for MICE planners in Australia to trust our capabilities and security standards."
"We also had the pleasure to host several meetings, including events for the Ministry of Finance attended by representatives from 44 countries, Ministry of Trade with 30 participating countries and The Heads of State Meeting, which involved six countries. This was an opportunity to emphasize the quality of our meeting facilities and level of security."
Garuda Indonesia's Poerwoko said overall traffic to Bali has risen by more than 50 per cent over the past year, demonstrating a rising confidence in Australia towards Bali and a realisation of the superb quality and value of its offerings.
Shown on Balidiscovery.com is the General Manager of the InterContinental Bali Resort, Kamal Chaoui, welcoming Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.
Bali Police Chief Deploys Elite and Armed Tactical Team to Bring in Suspects of January 1, 2088 Gang Violence Incident.
As reported on balidiscovery.com, [A Bloody Start to the New Year] two "freelance security guards" lost their lives in gang violence outside Dee Jay Music at dawn on New Year's day in a violent altercation with local gangs.
Shortly after the incident, police apprehended four suspected assailants in the attack and undertook a massive manhunt for five more suspects that concentrated search efforts in the Ubud area of Bali. Facing an "or else" surrender deadline from Bali's Chief of Police, Inspector General Paulus Purwoko, two of the five wanted men turned themselves into the police on Friday, January 11, 2008 leaving the remaining three suspects on the "most wanted" list of Bali's police force.
An elite force of 30 armed officers are actively seeking the remaining three suspects whose identities are known, determined to follow Chief Purowko's order and catch the remaining three men at all costs.
Tighter Control on Local Night Spots
Meanwhile, Kuta nightspots are beginning to feel the practical results of the January 1st incident which blemished Bali's desire to create reputation for safety and security. Local club owners are reporting reduced attendance at their venues while authorities begin to strictly enforce a 3:00 a.m. closing rule for local clubs.
Local authorities and nightspot operators have told BisnisBali that they are encountering problems in improving security standards for local nightspots given the lack of effective sanctions for clubs found to be violating the law and the difficulties of dealing with oftentimes intoxicated customers.
Making Kuta's Streets Safe for the Public
Bali Legislators Call for More Pedestrian Friendly Roads in Kuta - Legian Area.
The physical infrastructure for streets in Bali is inadequate to meet the safety requirements of pedestrians and vehicular road users. Bad road surface conditions, the lack of sidewalks, insufficient drainage, and the absence of shaded and green corridors - all contribute to Kuta's failure to meet standards of safety needed for tourist areas with high levels of pedestrian traffic.
Complaining in the Bali Post regarding the condition of Kuta's roadways is, I Wayan Puspanegara, a member of Commission B of the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) for Badung and a native of Legian. According to Puspanegara, the hight street of Kuta, Kuta beach, Legian, and Jalan Dewi Sartika all need a comprehensive and integrated upgrade. To that end, he has proposed a pilot project to create a roadway in Kuta, meeting the international standards exhibited by Hawaii and Singapore.
Joining Puspanegara in his demand for better thoroughfares in Kuta is another legislative council member, Nyoman Bagiana Karang, who said more attention needs to be paid to Kuta's role as an icon of Bali's travel industry. Complained Karang: "I and fellow council members have repeatedly raised these issues (with the Badung administration), but with no results. All we get (in reply) are temporary minor repairs on the roads."
Meanwhile, a development officer of the Badung government, I Wayan Suambara, has replied, pointing out that there are plans to create a pedestrian area along Jalan Legian, prohibiting traffic from stopping or parking anywhere along the busy business area surround that roadway.
Melia Bali Villas & Spa Offers Non-Smoking Rooms
Bali Resort Pledges to Strictly Enforce 'No Smoking Ban' in Selected Rooms at Nusa Dua Area Property.
In keeping with the growing global trend for non-smoking accommodation and in order to support the global-free anti-tobacco campaign, Meliá Bali Villas & Spa Resort is setting aside special no-smoking rooms commencing from 2008.
The Resort has adopted a no-smoking policy for selected rooms and balconies on all floors of Building IV at the hotel complex. All non-smoking rooms are identified with special in-room cards.
Those guests smoking in a room designated as a "non-smoking" room will incur a cleaning charge of US$200 to cover the cost of dry cleaning the room's curtains and carpets, and washing down its walls.
The restoration fee will added to a guest's bill or is sent to their address if they have checked out.
Global Economic Concerns May Impact Bali's Arrival Numbers.
A Nielsen survey conducted in the last quarter of 2007 polling 26,312 Internet users in 48 major markets in Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East demonstrates growing concern over the future of the global economy; a result that may have a negative impact on the wanderlust of holidaymakers. Conducted twice every year, the Nielsen Consumer Survey gauges consumer confidence, spending habits, spending intentions and major concerns held by the world's consumers. The survey collections perceptions from the public on the job market, the status of personal finances and the readiness of consumers to part with disposable income.
The most recent Nielsen Survey reveals:
. Increasing fuel costs, escalating sub-prime credit crisis and a slowing of the U.S. economy have caused a "dip in confidence" in 28 of the 48 markets tracked by Nielsen.
. Most fearful of a declining global economy over the coming 12 months are respondents in Thailand, Taiwan and Italy. Over 50% of the respondents from all nations are jittery that recession will pave the way for rising unemployment and inflation.
. Chinese and Vietnamese respondents were, however, more "bullish" believing there would be no recession in the next 12 months.
. Globally, the Consumer Confidence Index (CI) stands at 94, down form 97 measured in May 2007 and 99 recorded in the last quarter of 2006.
. Norway, India and Denmark ranked as the three most optimistic groups of consumers with CI scores of 135, 133 and 124, respectively.
. Also included among the ten "most confident" nations were India, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, New Zealand and Singapore. This result suggests that inter-regional travel within Southeast Asia may be little affected by growing concerns for the global economy's health.
. The Chinese market is only moderately worried about recession with their CI dipping eight points to 98 in the most recent survey. Among the Chinese respondents, greatest concerns focus on inflation (67%), unemployment (52%) and declining property prices (27%).
. Three of Bali's leading sources of tourists - South Koreans, Taiwanese and Japanese were shown to be feeling more cautious when it comes to discretionary spending with 80% saying now is not the time to buy. This may have a fundamental effect on Bali's inbound travel from these markets.
The Nielsen Company
The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company working in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), online intelligence (NetRatings and BuzzMetrics), mobile measurement, trade shows and business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek).
48 Countries Surveyed
The 48 countries surveyed in the latest Consumer Confidence Report include: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czechs Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, US and Vietnam.
The Bali Shanti Center Opens
Udayana University Center is Part of a Growing Cultural Awareness Among the Balinese .
Bali's Udayana University now has a center for the promotion and development of Balinese culture and custom. The "Bali Shanti" Center was formally inaugurated by the Rector of the University, Professor Dr. Made Bakta on Wednesday, January 9, 2008. The Secretariat of "Bali Shanti" will operate from the University's Campus on Jalan Sudirman.
Professor Dr. I Made Pasek Diantha is in charge of "Bali Shanti" who told the press that three main areas of focus for his group will be study, consultation and service in all areas related to Balinese culture and custom.
"Bali Shanti" plans to hold a number of seminars on Balinese Culture, the results of which will be published and preserved for future reference by those dealing with cultural matters. The organization also plans to hold weekly consultations and assist local community in drafting legislation touching upon local cultural issues.
Diantha said: "Bali Shanti has as one of its visions the provision of services to the public in areas connected with the local society, culture, economy and ecology. As a small part of its overall commitment to Balinese culture, "Bali Shanti" has created a nursery and seed production center for plants used in conducting Balinese rituals."
A Call to Demolish Unlicensed Commercial Villas
Despite Demands of Local Legislators, Regional Governments Reluctant to Get Too Tough with Illegal Villas.
The Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) in Tabanan is calling on the Regent and Governor to demolish illegal luxury villas built in the Tabanan Regency of Bali.
Prompting the demand, according to Bali Post, are a number of villas standing along Kelecung Beach who do not posses the required building permits. The villas were the subject a formal complaint sent by the village of Tegal Mengkeb, East Selemadeg to the Regional government of Tabanan. The lack of a formal response from the Regional Government has angered DPRD - Tabanan members who called on the Executive to take firm steps - including the demolition of villas without the required permits or found in violation of local zoning regulations.
I Kade Oka Arianta, a member of Commission I of DPRD -Tabanan, told the press that the illegal villas are not private residences but actually commercial accommodation providers. Insisting that he was not personally opposed to investment, Arianta, said those wishing to invest in Tabanan must nonethless be compelled to follow all rules and regulations, including the requirement to honor zoning restraints, seek community acceptance of each project and create a financial benefit to the surrounding communities.
Arianta told the Bali Post that a visit to the beachside villas confirmed that the owners do not hold legal building permits and that the structures were built without reference to local zoning rules.
A local official in Tabanan has confirmed Arianta's allegations, but insisted a "neutral" solution must be found that does not disadvantage the regional government or the investor, or deter future investors from undertaking project in the region.
Having a Ball with SKAL
Pictures from a Winter Wonderland in Bali as Travel Industry Celebrate the Festive Season.
On Friday, December 21, 2007, the SKAL Club of Bali hosted their annual Christmas Ball at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa.
A "sold out" event attended by members of Bali's travel industry and friends, the SKAL Christmas Ball adopted "Winter Wonderland" as its theme during an evening of dancing, musical entertainment and exciting prizes. The Hotel's ballroom was transformed for the evening into a dramatic ice palace with a full program of entertainment from a children's choir, a team of Christmas dancers and the Geronimo Band.
President Keith Bell of Sanur Paradise Plaza played Santa and while the host committee supervised the awarding of an array of raffle prizes and auction items.
Balidiscovery.com presents a number of snapshots taken at the Ball in order to share the fun and excitement with those unable to attend the gala event.
Founded in 1934, SKAL is the world's largest organization of travel and tourism professionals counting 22,000 members among its 500 clubs in 87 countries.
Click Images to Enlarge
Garuda to Re-Start Bali-Nagoya Flights
Thrice Weekly Flights to Commence in June 2008.
Republic on Line reports that Garuda Indonesia will continue with plans to re-commence service between Bali and Nagoya, despite the current uncertainty created in the air transportation business by surging oil prices.
Garuda's chief representative for Japan, China and the U.S.A., Arief Wibowo, confirmed that his Airline will commence flying 3 times a week between Bali and Nagoya in June 2008. The new service will complement Garuda's current daily flights between Bali and Tokyo and five times a week service between Bali and Osaka.
Wibowo said that the price for a round-trip Nagoya-Bali flight will be around Rp. 9.4 million (US$990), a price somewhat higher than the US$700-$800 charged for a Tokyo-Bali ticket. The higher prices, according to Wibowo, reflect rising fuel costs and the use of small aircraft on routes that were once operated by wide-bodied aircraft.
Indonesia's Lion Airway to Buy 49% of a Brisbane-based Airline
Move Reflects Market Acquisition Strategy of Buying Shares in Foreign Carriers.
A number of press reports are suggesting that Indonesian Lion Mentari Airlines is eyeing a 49% share in an Australian domestic air carrier as a possible precursor to establishing a feeder network for the establishment of international flights between Indonesia and Australia.
Australian press reports say that discussions are at an advanced stage between Lion Air and Brisbane-based Sky Air World.
News.Com.Au quotes the CEO of Sky Air World, David Charlton, as confirming a 51%/49% ownership split with the Indonesian Airline, saying, "as a result of the deal Lion Air Australia will have the same air traffic rights to operate here as any Australian-owned airline."
On the assumption that the deal will be formalized shortly, Lion Air Australia is expected to begin operating six extended range Boeing 737s before the end of 2008.
Second Indonesian Operational Base to Allow New Flights to Australia, Sarawak and Malaysia.
Indonesian AirAsia (IAA) have announced their intention to open an additional operational base in Bali as the next step to establishing a regional presence for the Carrier.
The Chief Officer of IAA, Dharmadi, told Bisnis Indonesia that the new Bali home base will commence operations in late March 2008, serving as a turn around point for new flights planned to Darwin and Perth in Australia.
The new Australian destinations are expected to start operating in September-October 2009, six months after the new home base becomes operational.
The new Australian service are expected to be served by Indonesia AirAsia's fleet of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-300 aircraft.
The Bali base is also expected to offer direct flight connections to Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kinabalu.
Bali Hosts Conference on Fighting Corruption
Second Major UN Conference in as Many Months for the Island of Bali.
Republic on Line reports that Bali will be the host of a major international conference on corruption January 28 - February 1, 2008.
The Second Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Conference Against Corruption (CPS-3 UNCAC) will be held at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) at Nusa Dua.
Scheduled to be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the United Nation's conference on how to identify, control and eliminate corruption is the second event of its kind following the inaugural meeting held in Amman, Jordan in December 2006. Originally scheduled to be held in Bali in December 2007, the event was shifted to the new dates to accommodate the UN Climate Change Conference held in Bali in early December 2007.
According to a Government spokesperson, the Bali conference will be attended by 140 countries comprised of 104 countries who have ratified the UN Convention Opposing Corruption and 36 countries who have yet to embrace that document.
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