B

ali provincial administration plans to launch new blueprints and a master plan on the development of tourism in the province.

Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu, head of the province tourism office, said that the master plan would cover short-, middle- and long-term tourism development programs, all of which would still refer to Law No 10/2009 on tourism and Government Decree No. 50/2011 on national development programs, as well as spatial planning bylaws.

Subhiksu said that the focus of the new blueprints would be on four pillars — destination development; promotion; the tourist industry and human resource development.

He further said that the four pillars had been closely intertwined but each of them needed special attention.

“The bottom line is to create Bali as a quality tourist destination — inside and outside,” he said.

Bali, with its current tourism development scheme, has been facing challenges and complaints from visitors and related institutions in overseas countries. Complaints include those on limited infrastructure, security, connectivity and garbage management.

The massive expansion project of Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban is only a short-term solution to the infrastructure problems facing the island. “It is predicted that the number of passengers using the airport’s services will rocket in the coming years, while at that time, Ngurah Rai will no longer be able to accommodate the rising demands,” he said.

Transportation has always been a significant problem for the island’s tourism, with both air and land transportation services still very limited.

“Air transportation plying the European and American routes is still out of reach. We rely on tourists coming from the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

Tourists from the Asia-Pacific region dominated Balinese tourism, comprising 59.26 percent of the total 2.12 million foreigners visiting Bali in the January-September 2012 period.

Direct and better flights had been a significant factor in boosting the number of tourists from the region.

Currently, Bali’s major tourism markets are Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, the US and Singapore. Other markets with potential are the UK and France.

European countries were once Bali’s traditional market, but limited flights to the island have prevented many Europeans from visiting Bali for their vacations.

In addition to the inadequate infrastructure facilities, Bali also needed to improve the skills of its human resources, enhance security and improve the island’s cleanliness, Subhiksu added.

Badung and Gianyar regencies and Denpasar mayoralty also plan to issue new tourism plans to adjust to the proposed provincial tourism blueprints.

Tjok Raka Dharmawan, head of Badung tourism office, said that Badung, as the richest regency in Bali, would designate its southern part for tourism, while maintaining its northern area as agricultural and water catchment sites.

Meanwhile, Gianyar Regent Tjok Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati also said that his administration was now working to launch its new tourism plan for its area. Gianyar is designated as a cultural and spiritual tourist destination.