Australian government eases Bali travel advisory
- MICEBTN Archive Stories Issue #47
- Wednesday, 30 May 2012
THE AUSTRALIAN government's decision to downgrade its travel warning on Bali has been welcomed by the Indonesian island's MICE sector.
The government downgraded its travel advisory to Bali on 04 May, the first easing since 2002.
Previously, the Australian government advised citizens to “reconsider the need to travel.” It is now advising them to “exercise a high degree of caution,” putting the island at the same level as Thailand and the Philippines.
Australian ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty said the decision was based on a carefully considered assessment of the level of threat to Australian travellers.
Bali Hotels Association (BHA) chairman Jean-Charles Le Coz said: “I'm happy that our efforts in maintaining safety and security have been recognised internationally, especially by Australia, our biggest market.”
He cited specific security efforts including its 2011 workshops to train staff at its more-than-100 member hotels on surveillance, as well as founding the Integrated Police Radio Community Bali program that connects BHA members and other tourism stakeholders directly to the police via UHF radio.
BHA also held workshops on counter terrorism, disaster risk reduction and health issues.
Australia leads the market in inbound travel to Bali, with a market share of more than 26 per cent.
Meanwhile, arrivals in March 2012 saw a 24 per cent year-on-year increase over March 2011. The renewed confidence in the island’s security is sure to boost both leisure and MICE business, said Le Coz.
Tony Steven (AMA Tasmania) and newly elected president of the Australasian Society of Association Executives said he would be discussing the changed travel advisory to Bali with members and they would decide what action if any to take on future travel arrangements. Steven replaced ASAC president Simon Pryor who stepped down from the role as part of a succession move.
Speaking personally, Steven said he welcomed the improved security situation in Bali and the government decision that improved choices for ASAE members on where they could hold meetings.
