Bali announces four major tourism policies

BALI, Indonesia – Bali provincial administration is preparing to issue four major policies related to the island’s tourism development.

BALI, Indonesia – Bali provincial administration is preparing to issue four major policies related to the island’s tourism development.

The four major policies cover the development of tourist destinations, effective marketing, industry and institutions.

I Ketut Astra, head of the destination development section at the Bali Tourism Agency, told Bali Daily on Tuesday that the four major policies were in line with the national development plan for the tourism sector.

In relation to destination development, Astra said that the government would focus on tourism mapping to determine the best spots on the island.

“Some plans are already on the table, developing the existing tourist sites and upgrading their facilities and accessibilities,” Astra explained.

Improving the management of tourist-related businesses and human resources to empower local communities was also on the plan.

“It is also important to develop new destinations in some unexplored areas. Bali has an abundant pool of natural and cultural attractions, although some of them must be developed more appropriately,” he added.

He said tourism was a dynamic industry that changed rapidly in line with local and global tourism trends.

“We need to keep up with the changing demands from tourists in terms of accommodation, types of destinations and attractions.”

In the past, people came to Bali to look for cultural attractions. “Now, many of them are enjoying water sports, spa facilities and other new attractions,” he said.

The province has already established the Bali Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD), whose members are competent figures in the island’s tourist industry.

“The provincial administration will closely work with BPPD in boosting promotional activities in the coming years,” he maintained.

Astra continued, saying the second policy would center on tourism development by strengthening the partnerships between the government, the industry and the community.

It would also emphasize the need to improve tourism’s credibility and the industry’s bigger responsibility to help preserve the island’s environment.

“The issuance of any permits concerning the development of tourist facilities will be tightened and closely monitored,” he said.

New tourism development will be shifted to the island’s northern, western and eastern parts.

In terms of institutional improvement, Astra stressed the importance of enhancing the activities of various tourism associations, such as the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA), the Association of Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants (PHRI) and other organizations.

“At present, village-based tourism is being developed in several rural areas. It is crucial for the associations to relate their activities to community-based organizations that manage such programs,” Astra added.

The four policies have already been officially drafted. “We are waiting for further discussions with members of the Legislative Council, academics and, of course, people in the industry for any input or revisions,” he declared.

Separately, Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu, reiterated that the four policies would be used as guidance for tourism development in the short, middle and long term.

“The four tourism policies are prepared referring to Law No. 10/2009 on tourism, government decree No. 50/2011 on national development and bylaws on spatial planning,” Subhiksu explained.

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Linda Hohnholz

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