The public and private sectors of the Balinese and Indonesian tourism community are doing…
The public and private sectors of the Balinese and Indonesian tourism community are doing an excellent job in responding to the bombings in Jimbaran and Kuta. There is a real feeling of solidarity in dealing with the situation. I have been extremely impressed, announced the PATA Vice President-Development, Mr Peter Semone, who has been in Kuta, Bali, since October 2.
Many of the recommendations made in the PATA Bali Recovery Task Force report (January 2003) are being followed, such as cooperation between all stakeholders at the national and provincial level; the provision of quick, accurate and transparent information to media and the public; and the stimulation of local demand.
It is difficult to estimate the tourism impact of the incident at this point. It is, however, very different from the October 2002 bombing. Activity by tourists and locals continues. Those that have chosen to stay in Bali are continuing to enjoy their holidays.
It seems that tourists are becoming more resilient to these sorts of events. As you walk around the streets of Jimbaran and Kuta one would almost think that nothing has happened here. People are still dining in restaurants, walking around and shopping, enjoying the beach and enjoying their holiday.
The Balinese temple festival of Galungang starts on October 5 as planned. Families all over Bali are preparing for this colourful Hindu festival as usual., he continued.
Further information from PATA at the Bali Crisis Information Centre:
Location of Bombs
General I Made Mangku Made Pastika, Provincial head of Bali`s Police department, confirmed in a press conference on October 2, 2005 that there were three suicide bombs detonated at three locations. One in Raja`s Restaurant located in the Kuta Square area Kuta and two at Jimbaran beach : Menega and Nyoman`s Cafe. The bombs were detonated some five minutes apart.
Victims of Bombing
22 persons were killed including the three suicide bombers. 17 Indonesian nationals and five foreigners, four of which were identified as Caucasian and one as a North Asian. An additional 123 persons were injured, of which 37 have been identified as non-Indonesian nationals.
Tourism and Bali
Bali`s 1,458,309 foreign visitor arrivals, in 2004 represents some 35% of Indonesia`s total foreign visitor arrivals. Tourism contributes over five billion US dollars to the Indonesian economy of which Bali attracts approximately half.
Flight Situation
PATA is not aware of any cancellations of scheduled flights in and out of Bali so far. Qantas put on two special additional flights on October 2, and one on October 3, to return visitors to Australia.
Garuda Indonesia has offered to waive cancellation fees for flights until October 16, 2005 and allow passengers to rebook earlier flights home without penalties. Garuda said it is maintaining a full flight schedule to and from Bali.
Hotel Situation
According to the Bali Hotel Association, occupancy rates at most hotels are relatively stable. An association spokesperson said there had been a few individual early check-outs, but the vast majority were choosing to stay. However, the Association is concerned about possible future cancellations of meetings and incentive groups.
Indonesia`s Response – Government
Indonesia`s Ministry of Culture and Tourism immediately responded to the October 1 incident by setting up a media/press centre at the Kuta Ina Hotel. The press centre provided complete internet and other facilities for international and domestic media.
Tourism Industry Response
The Bali Tourism Board, which is a grouping of Bali public and private tourism stakeholders, responded quickly to the incident. A Task Force was created immediately with posts at the airport, hospitals and media centre. The first priority has been to support the victims and their families. The Bali Tourism Board will continue these efforts and is also doing the following:
- Hosting the families of victims with hotel accommodation and other requirements (air tickets not yet confirmed).
- Continued collection of relevant statistics in order to monitor the true impact of this incident on Bali tourism.
- Providing welcoming flowers to visitors that arrive in Bali in the coming days.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
