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.
Bali?s tourist industry gears up after Obama?s win | The Jakarta Post
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.
Bali?s tourist industry gears up after Obama?s win | The Jakarta Post