Global survey finds Bali most romantic spot in Asia

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Fri, 02/15/2008 10:11 AM | World

Indonesia's most renowned island, Bali, topped a list of 10 top romantic destinations in Asia, beating Thailand's Phuket and China's Shanghai, a survey by online accommodation website www.wotif.com has found.

Bali, which suffered major blows to its tourism industry in the wake of the 2002 and 2005 terrorist bombings that left hundreds dead, is racing to reclaim its image as a safe and coveted holiday destination.

The website, which conducted the survey in conjunction with Valentine's Day, said in a press release sent to The Jakarta Post it was no surprise to see Bali named the top spot in Asia.

"With its many luxury resorts, beautiful beaches and world-class restaurants, it will continue to be a popular place for couples, said the site's Director of Business Development and Marketing in Asia, Rita Goh.

The government has been criticized, however, for not promoting other areas across the archipelago boasting attractions many say equal Bali's.

Phuket came in second place, in front of Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Hokkaidao, Hua Hin, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

In Europe, Italy's Venice grabbed the top position on the list to put Paris at second place.

Italy saw three of its most popular destinations make the list, with Rome and Florence at number three and six respectively.

"It's great to see Venice pip Paris as the most romantic city, as travelers find alternative romantic destination options to challenge conventional stereotype destinations," Goh said.

Others on the list included Vienna, New York, Las Vegas, Prague, Melbourne and Koh Samui.

The survey, which involved nearly 2,000 of the website's customers, also found opinions on Valentine's Day differed from region to region.

It said: "Asians believe it's romantic, Kiwis feel it's sincere, Aussie's think it's saucy and Europeans think it's a rip off".

But one thing that almost 100 percent of the respondents agreed on was that Feb. 14 was "a day designed for the ladies", the release said.

Valentine's Day is a holiday named after two among the numerous early Christian martyrs -- Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni.

The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the Middle Ages when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Chaucer's poem, titled Parlement of Foules, was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia.

Wotif.com sells accommodation online in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, Europe and North America.

Comments (0) | Post comment

A | A | A |