T

he current global financial crisis exacerbated by the outbreak of H1N1 influenza, has not affected Bali's tourism industry, say experts.

Aloysius Purwa, chairman of the Bali branch of the Indonesian Association of Travel Agencies (Asita), said Bali had experienced significant growth in the number of tourists visiting from January to May 2009.

"The number of tourists from China, Malaysia and Taiwan has increased," Purwa said.

Based on the latest data from the Bali office of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the number of Chinese tourists reached 21,492.

The number of tourists from Malaysia is also increasing, while Japan and Australia have remained the island's top markets since the early l980s.

Visitors from the United States and Russia have also increased from 18.18 percent to 38.02 percent of tourists to Bali.

The total number of foreign tourists visiting Bali in March 2009 reached 168,205, a 4.66 percent increase, from the same time last year.

"The majority of tourist-related businesses on the island are still profitable," Purwa said.

"Some even experienced higher business profits."

Hadi Sutrisno, head of an association for domestic travel agencies, also shared Purwa's optimism, saying the flood of domestic tourists began in early May. Traditionally, domestic visitors spend their holiday in Bali in the June and July school holiday seasons.

"Now, many travel agencies are already busy serving local tourists," Sutrisno added.

Purwa said he did not have any idea whether the flood of foreign tourists was related to the current political situation in Thailand, a significant competitor to Bali tourism industry.

"It is important to maintain security and political stability to ensure tourists in Indonesia, and Bali in particular, are safe," he noted.

The installation of security equipment in hotels, restaurants and other tourist hubs in Bali has also supported the tourism industry in Bali.

"A lot of tourists appreciate our security systems and feel more secure holidaying in Bali," added Purwa.