Bali’s tourist industry gears up after Obama’s win

The reelection of US President Barack Obama has brought new hope for Bali’s tourist industry with the expectation that more Americans will spend their vacations on the island.

Bagus Sudibya, a prominent figure in the industry, was hoping that Obama’s victory would tighten bilateral political, business, social, cultural and tourism relations between Indonesia and America.

“The majority of people in the industry are very optimistic and hopeful with President Obama winning the election,” Sudibya said.

The US has always been a major tourism market for Bali, in addition to Australia, Asia and Europe.

“Tourists from America and European countries are considered ‘quality tourists’ who spend long vacations in Bali. They are also repeaters and faithful guests,” Sudibya explained.

Obama’s victory could have a significant impact on Indonesia in general. His visit to Bali last year provided a positive image of Bali as a place secure enough to be visited by an American president.

In November 2011, Obama visited Bali to attend the 19th ASEAN Summit in Nusa Dua. The success of the summit and the visit of Obama to Bali had improved Bali as one of the world’s top tourist destinations and drew more American tourists to the island.

“The visit of President Obama last November and hopefully in November 2013 will become an important bonus for Bali and will speak volumes to the world,” said Sudibya, who is deputy chairman of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies Association (ASITA).

“As the leader of the world’s most powerful nation, President Obama will always draw international attention. Everywhere he goes, the attention of media and people around the world will follow him,” he added.

Obama is also expected to attend the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) in Bali in November 2013.

“The APEC event will give Bali vast international media coverage. For certain, Barack Obama, as the president of the United States, will be attending this important event along with world leaders from the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

Similar sentiment were also echoed by Perry Markus, secretary of the Bali chapter of the Association of Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants (PHRI), warmly welcomed Obama’s victory, hoping that his administration would not prevent its citizens from visiting Indonesia, Bali in particular.

Many countries adopt travel advisory policies for their citizens visiting foreign countries based on security reasons. The US issued travel advisories for its citizens recommending against visiting Bali soon after the bombing incidents in October 2002 and October 2005.

Convincing the world that Bali is safe after the two terrorist bomb attacks has become serious challenges for the island’s tourism industry as well as people from diverse walks of life.

“Obama’s visit has been very effective promotion for Bali in the international tourism scene,” said Perry.

Sudibya added that despite the global economic crisis, the number of tourists from the US had been increasing significantly.

“In the late 1970s, a large number of American tourists spent their leisure time in Bali,” he said.

The 2011 visit of Obama also have a very positive impact on the island’s tourism with a surge in hotel’s occupancy rates.

The increase also occured across the board and affected all tourism markets including the increasing number of American tourists to Bali.

According to the Bali Tourism Office, the number of American tourists visiting Bali reached 67,660 persons between January-September 2012.

In 2011, 90,154 American tourists visited the island.

Sourced: thejakartapost