Bali Still Viewed As Popular Destination By Australians

Melbourne (Antara Bali) - Bali is still viewed as a popular destination by Australian tourists, and several of them consider the island as their second home.

"Australia is still a big tourism market for Indonesia, as 90 percent of Australians holiday in Bali," Country Manager Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer Emil Hardy Ridwan noted in Melbourne, Monday.

He stated that the three main destinations for Australians are New Zealand, Bali, and the US.

However, for New Zealand, he said most of the tourists were merely visiting their relatives.

"Hence, for tourism, Bali is still their favorite destination," he remarked.

Even when Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport was temporarily shut down on Nov 26-27 due to Mount Agung's rising volcanic activity, it did not deter the Australians.

"Young, independent travelers especially did not pay attention. However, those with their families are choosing to not visit Bali in the meantime," he revealed.

Ridwan noted that Melbourne-based aviation company Jetstar had increased the number of weekly flights to Denpasar, Bali, from seven to 12.

"The demand is still high, so they are increasing the number of flights from Melbourne and Sydney, but Bali's airport is struggling to meet the high demand," he noted.

To this end, Ridwan stated that Indonesia should continue to tap this high market potential.

However, as conditions in Bali are not yet fully stable, Ridwan has made efforts to promote Indonesia's tourism through a defensive strategy against competitors, such as the US and Japan, which are also aggressively promoting their tourism attractions in the Australian market.

Moreover, he has attempted to establish partnerships with wholesalers and airlines as well as create another market for specific segments, such as health and wellness, which have risen in popularity.

"We are also working hard to intensify the promotion of tourism outside Bali, with the program of 10 New Bali being applied now, which is a good supporting option," he stated.

Indonesia has targeted to attract 1.8 million Australian tourists this year, so that it can contribute to 15 million foreign tourist visits in 2017.(WDY)