DENPASAR – In the wake of the cancellation of the Bali Kintamani Festival, originally scheduled for Feb. 8 - a move linked to the outbreak of the coronavirus in China – Bali tourism chiefs believe the time is right to look closely at its tourism sector.
It’s about time that we do something such as news regarding waste. We need to counter that, as many tourists, especially from Europe, are very concerned about such issues.– Bali Tourism Agency head Putu Astawa
Bali Tourism Agency head Putu Astawa said, “It’s high time that we examine our own situation, especially regarding tourism-related issues such as environment, waste, traffic congestion and clean water.”
“It’s about time that we do something such as news regarding waste. We need to counter that, as many tourists, especially from Europe, are very concerned about such issues.”
In a statement, Bali Vice Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati has called on hotels in Bali to waive cancellation fees for Chinese tour agencies or tourists who cancel their trips because of the coronavirus outbreak.
In addition, the government suggested that local travel agencies handling Chinese tourists should allow visitors who have made a down payments to use it for a later date, should they decide to postpone their visit to Bali.
A new date for the Kintamani Festival - which celebrates ties between Bali and China - had yet to be determined.