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THE BALI administration has said that tourism in the province has not been affected by the revocation of visa-free entry for tourists from 159 countries and the outbreak of rabies.
“So far, we have not witnessed any problems that have hindered Bali’s tourist visits. In fact, Bali is fully booked until August,” Bali Governor Wayan Koster informed after attending the Plenary Session of the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) in Denpasar City recently.
Koster said that earlier, some parties had predicted that the revocation of visa-free entry for tourists from 159 countries on June 7, 2023, would lead to a decline in the number of international tourist visits to the province.
“I would like to inform that Bali is experiencing an increase in international tourist visits. So, rabies, visa-free revocation, and any other factors circulating amid the public keep talking about does not harm Bali’s tourism in any way,” he highlighted.
According to the governor, between June 1 and 7, a total of 16,246 tourists visited the island, and the number continued to increase by four percent per day until June 22.
Therefore, he stressed that nothing is preventing tourists from visiting Bali. Instead, the number of international tourist visits has kept increasing, which in turn, has positively affected the province’s economy, he added.
Governor Koster further informed that the heads of the province’s Agriculture Office and Health Office are working together to handle the rabies outbreak.
In addition, the provincial government is collaborating with the Health Ministry and district/municipal governments.
“The central government is supporting our efforts to accelerate the rabies vaccination. Bali is being prioritized due to its status as a tourist destination,” he added. [antaranews/photo special]
