Selective Development

Indonesian Tourism Ministry Marks Three Areas of Bali for Tourism Destination Development

(11/30/2012)

Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post) quotes theTourism and Creative Economy Ministry as announcing their intent to undertake elaborate studies on the future development of the Sanur Village area of Bali, Batur at Kintamani (Bangli regency) and Menjangan Island in North Bali as part of a nation-wide strategic plan for tourism development.

The three areas in Bali are included in a list of 16 tourism destinations nationwide targeted by the Ministry for special developmental assistance through 2014.

Speaking of the 88 tourism destination currently being fostered for more visitors nationwide, the director of destination planning for the Ministry, Lokot Ahmad Enda said: “Despite possessing huge potential, some of these destinations have weak planning, infrastructure, facilities and promotional packaging. So, we need to encourage their development.”
The three destinations in Bali will eventually be included in a blueprint for development, touching on both physical improvements and manpower training issues.

The studies, preparatory to the subject blueprints for development, will commence in 2013 and are expected to take one year to complete. The Blueprint for tourism development will outline plans and programs for the next 15 to 20 years.

In Bali, the three areas designated for attention:

• Batur – Lokot highlighted bad sanitation, beggars and aggressive souvenir sales people. Batur’s recent elevation to UNESCO Geopark status underlines an urgent need to have a 20-year tourism development plan in place for this destination.
• Menjangan Island – An island in northern Bali well positioned for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Natural setting still teems with wildlife. Infrastructure issues affecting access are seen as holding this area back from rapid development.
• Sanur – a once quiet fishing village has become an international tourism destination. Efforts will b made to accommodate the wishes and tourism aspirations of the Sanur village community, and control some of the negative results of its recent increase in popularity.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com