Bali sees increase in foreign tourist arrivals

DENPASAR (indo.com): The number of foreign tourist arrivals to Bali has increased significantly, with an average 100.000 tourists visiting the Island of Gods per month from July 2003. This has indicated that Bali recovery programs have shown significant outcome.

The number of foreign tourist arrivals to Bali reached 111.826 in July, 115.546 in August and 106.753 in September 2003, according to local daily, Bali Post.

Japan and Taiwan ranked first in the number of tourists visiting Bali. The number of tourists from Australia and South Korea is also on the rise. However, the number of tourist arrivals from England slightly declined.

Sources at the Immigration Office disclosed that Bali started to see an increase in the number of foreign tourist arrivals prior to the commemoration of the Bali bomb blast. On October 9, the number of foreign tourist arrivals reached 2.792 and 3.911 the following days.

The great success of the ASEAN-Biz Summit held recently in Bali has contributed to the restoration of image of Bali, convincing most Asian countries that Bali is a safe tourism destination and is worth a visit, either for leisure or business.