Tourism businesses are holding firm in Bali despite calls for caution following the warnings this week of a terrorist threat. Indonesian authorities subdued a suspected terrorist cell in Sanur, Denpasar, several days ago by killing five men who had allegedly been plotting to bomb tourist targets on the island, including the La Vida Loca bar in Seminyak. The Australian government subsequently changed its Indonesia travel advisory status to “Reconsider your need to travel” due to the threat of terrorist attack. However, Bali’s tourism-based businesses paint a picture of serenity.
“There have been no cancellations or exodus of tourists following the raids,” said Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya chairman of the Indonesia Tourism Industry Association Bali.
“It is business as usual for us,” said Umberto Cadamuro, Pacto director of operations and product development. “We have received no requests for clarification, nor any cancellation or decline in bookings. I believe this is partly due to the very limited news by major media such as CNN and BBC.”
TTG Asia
[pictured: Mother Temple of Besakih, Bali; photo by Jack Merridew]
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