Foreign envoys appreciate effort to restore Bali tourism

Nusa Dua (Antaranews Bali) - A number of foreign envoys have appreciated the effort of Indonesian government to restore Bali tourism through a tourism diplomatic tour by inviting the envoys to see the latest condition of the Island after the Mount Agung eruption.

"This is the best guarantee which can attract more travelers in the future," said French ambassador to Indonesia, Jean-Charles Berthonnet when visiting the Pasifika Museum in Nusa Dua, Badung District, Bali on Sunday.

The French envoy praised the government`s move by providing quality tourism services, packed in "diplomatic tours" including services at each of tourism destination they visited from February 23 to 25.

Jean-Charles also said he would provide objective information to his citizens who want to travel to Bali that the area is safe to visit.

"They (tourists) can come, Bali is save, why should be postponed? Moreover, the level (of Mount Agung's eruption) has been lowered and the danger zone has also been lowered," he explained.

In addition, North Korean ambassador An Kwang Il also appreciated the Indonesian government`s effort to promote tourism of Bali island to the representatives of friendly countries after it was choked up due to the eruption of Mount Agung.

"We have traveled to several tourist destinations such as Pura Besakih which is close to Mount Agung. We see it is very safe, everything works normally. So, do not hesitate to come to Bali," An Kwang Il noted.

Meanwhile, Mexican ambassador Armando G Alvarez also believed that the situation in Bali is safe to visit.

"We greatly admire every aspect of Balinese culture from its ritual, dance, food including the architecture," he disclosed.

The museum that started operation in 2006, featuring 600 paintings and sculptures of masterpieces of painters and sculptors from around the world including foreign artists who have visited or lived in Bali.

Earlier, Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir said, Foreign envoys in Indonesia are expected to help promote and disseminate accurate information on Bali`s tourism industry in the aftermath of Mount Agung's eruption. (WDY)