Bali ramps up green-tourism promotion

DENPASAR: Bali administration is working with local travel agents and tour operators to create new tourism packages highlighting the island's integrated agriculture system (Simantri).

"Out of the 365 travel agents operating in Bali we have so far managed to take 32 to visit several villages which implement Simantri," Bali Plantation Agency head Made Sudarta said.

The new packages will under-line the island's efforts to be a green and pro-environment province.

Visitors who purchase the packages will have an opportunity to visit villages, where organic farming and green small industries are flourishing.

Travel agent Putu Ardana said the new packages were a positive development.

"The island needs new tourist attractions," he said, adding that the local administration should ensure that appropriate infrastructure was in place to support the new attractions.

"The roads leading into these villages, garbage problems and the availability of toilets at the chosen sites should be a primary concern," he said. - JP