Bali loses its appeal to European tourists

[balinews]

European travelers may be starting to view Bali, especially the southern part of the island, as a less attractive holiday destination as accommodation prices soar uncontrollably.

Putu Winastra, deputy chairman of the Bali branch of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) said that European tourists had always paid serious attention to the condition of destinations they intended to visit.

“In the last five years, many European visitors have lodged complaints over the worsening environmental condition of Bali — lingering traffic jams, garbage, as well as the rising cost of hotels and accommodation facilities here,”
Winastra said.

Bali, he said, must now face stiff competition from new emerging holiday destinations in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, all of which are rich in natural assets.

“Members of ASITA have found it quite difficult to win back trust from our European clients as they prefer to go to more ‘nature-based’ places in those countries,” he said.

Bali has been growing very fast and is considered too crowded and uncomfortable as a holiday destination for many visitors.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/03/15/bali-becomes-unattractive-european-market.html

 

[SHoggard]

Might also have something to do with the Euro falling off the face of the planet

 

[Mark]

Not so sure about the Euro (currency), which has been very strong in the face of a really bad European economy. More likely the Euro economy itself, with lots of unemployment, austerity, etc. Yes, South Bali is pretty much a dump, but Europeans would still keep coming if they could afford it.

 

[sunnycoast]

I think another big issue is the raising cost of flights.

 

[Markit]

I think another big issue is the raising cost of flights.

If booked at the right times Singapore Air is still between 5 and 600 £ as it has been for the last 5 years for flights London - Bali. Only if you must come in the high season is it now up to £800, only slightly up on 5 years ago.

 

[Adam]

You beauty! They shan't be missed.

 

[sakumabali]

have lodged complaints over the worsening environmental condition of Bali — lingering traffic jams, garbage, as well as the rising cost of hotels and accommodation facilities here

Why am I not surprised? Yes ASITA these "tourists" have a brain indeed...not everybody wants to stuck in traffic for hours....every day & everywhere