n anticipation of an influx in high-end tourists on cruise ships, Indonesia is developing a cruise terminal in Benoa, Bali, which is expected to be ready in 2018.
Once its construction is completed, the terminal will be able to accommodate three cruise ships at the same time.
Indroyono Soesilo, an advisor to the Tourism Ministry, said in 2016 that 260,000 tourists came to Indonesia on cruise ships. He estimated the number would drop to 200,000 this year because of a lack infrastructure.
(Read also: Sabang in Aceh becoming popular cruise destination)
“Indonesia has many interesting tourist destinations, but infrastructure for cruise ships is not ready,” Indroyono said.
Currently, cruise ships stopping in Bali have to moor off shore and bring passengers ashore on small boats.
In line with the government’s pledge to boost tourism, state-owned seaport operator PT Pelindo III is upgrading Benoa Port into a cruise terminal.
The development of the Benoa cruise terminal is expected to boost the number of tourist arrivals by cruise ship to 500,000 by 2019. (hol/bbn)
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