Paying Proper Attention to Bali's Domestic Visitors

(12/29/2006)

Jero Wacik, Indonesia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, warned local hotels in Bali do what is necessary to eliminate any differences in service standards extended to domestic tourists as opposed to foreign visitors to their properties.

The Minister, speaking at the Tri Hita Kirana Tourism Awards and quoted in the Indonesian-language Bisnis Bali, said, "many hotels in Bali still provide different standards of service to domestic and foreign visitors." Urging the elimination of such practices, the Minister said good relations with the domestic market in Bali must be preserved.

Reminding the Bali tourism industry that domestic visitors have proven themselves to be the Island's salvation during difficult economic periods, Minister Wacik said the domestic market has the potential of filling all hotels in Bali. Moreover, domestic tourists are more immune to the over-dramatized fears of terrorism that oftentimes prevent foreign visitors from coming to Bali.

Minister Wacik also told Bisnis Bali how he is actively lobbying with every member of the Presidential Cabinet, urging his fellow ministers to seek out opportunities for Indonesia to act as host for international conferences and exhibitions.