Bali News / Bali Travel and Holiday Updates

A few months prior to the Olympic games which is scheduled to take place between 8th to 24th of August 2008 in Beijing, number of tourist arrivals in Bali originated from China constantly decreased. The Head of Bali Office of The National Statistic Bureau Drs. Ida Komang Wisnu, M.A. confirmed that Chinese tourists having holiday in Bali has been decreasing during the last few months.

Arriving tourists from China on July 2008 was 7,952, significantly lower than May 2008 which recorded 9,361. “Even more significant if we compare it with February 2008 which recorded 18,371 which immediately meant a 70% decrease”, he continued.

In total, number of tourists coming from China during the first half of 2008 was 63,013, placing China in the top five of tourists origin. During the period, total foreign tourist arrivals to Bali was 926,926. Furthermore Komang Wisnu predicted that the decrease was related to the coming world event of Olympic games taking place in the country. “It is likely that citizens of China prefer to attend amazing events related to Olympic games, some of them may actively involved in preparation of the event”, said Komang Wisnu. He expected that decreasing statistical figures to be a temporary occasion related to Olympic games.

During the first half of 2008, tourists from Asia-Pacific countries dominated tourist arrivals in Bali. Japan leaded the list with 173,003 tourist arrivals, followed by Australia in the second place with 131,607 tourists. From the third position downward were Taiwan with 72,445 tourists, South Korea with 69,485 tourists, and China at the end of top five with 63,013 tourists.

With the largest population in the world out of which 34 millions are used to international off-shore holidays, tourism promotion to China has to be intensified. Comparing against the huge number of 34 millions, Bali only enjoyed as low as 0.02%. Creativity and innovation in composing activities to attract more tourists from China is essential.

On the other hand, revocation of US travel warning has brought positive impact in increasing tourists visiting Bali from US and allied Western countries like UK, Germany, France, and Italy.