Bali Expects 4.4 Million Foreign Tourists In 2016

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - The administration of Bali province is expecting the number of tourists visiting the island to reach 4.4 million in 2016.

"Until the end of July, the number of foreign tourist visiting Bali has been at 2.7 million, the head of Bali`s Tourism Office, Anak Agung Yuniartha Putra, said here on Tuesday.

"With an average number of visits at around 350 thousand per month, we are optimistic the target of 4.4 million tourists will be achieved," he added.

He hoped the Zika virus won't hit Bali as it could influence the tourist visits.

"So far, tourist visits to Bali are normal. There is no indication of the influence of the Zika virus on tourism in Bali," he added.

Australians dominated the number of tourist visits to Bali, followed by Chinese, according to Yuniartha.

Most of foreign tourists, at around 65 percent of the total number, are attracted by the local culture, while the rest are interested in Bali`s beautiful panorama.

Moreover, European tourists are fascinated with visits to cultural villages where they can observe the daily life of locals which is full of unique values.(WDY)