Ecologically Based Tourism

(6/13/2011)

Speaking at the opening of the 33rd Bali Arts Festival, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he hoped that the island would create a tourism industry that is ecologically based. Yudhoyono reminded his listeners that Bali has been visited in the past because of the natural beauty of the island.

Saying that Bali's natural charms had positioned it as a leading international tourism destination, the Indonesian Chief Executive sees it as only fitting that the environment must remain a top priority for now and the future.

Said the President: "Bali is often mentioned as the ‘best island in the world.' When we mention the name ‘Bali,' it brings forth visions of natural beauty and artistic presentations of a high quality; creatively presented from the hands of creative artists."

Yudhoyono also said that he hope the beauty possessed by Bali will be protected by the people of Bali so it may continue to be attractive to tourists. On the cultural front, he hoped Bali would remain a "cultural window" connecting its local cultural to the nation and the larger world.