Bali is my life

The people of Bali invite you to experience the pleasure of their island...

When you ask anyone who has visited Bali, "What's the best thing about Bali?" Their response is usually the same - "the people". Whether it's a 30 second chat with the waiter at breakfast or a 3 hour surf lesson discovering the hip phrases of surfing language, their warmth, charm and friendliness shine through leaving you feeling refreshed and wanting more.

  And more is their waiting for you, with a wealth of interesting characters eager to show you; colourful temple ceremonies, endless beaches at sunset, dramatic misty volcanoes, terraced rice fields under the dappled light of coconut trees, candle lit fine dining, charming villages, pulsating nightlife and pounding surf - just for starters. We want you to see the beautiful rice fields, the Barong dance by torch light, pounding surf below temples perched on the cliff top, the arts and crafts in the markets and so much more.
  So when you think about your next holiday, think about making friends with the people of Bali.

BHA Statement in Response to the Recent Natural Disasters in Indonesia

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

Bali Further Establishes Itself in Indonesia Travel & Tourism Award 2010/2011

Bali swept 12 awards in various categories

Bali, October 26, 2010 – Bali Hotels Association (BHA) won the inaugural Indonesia Travel & Tourism Award 2010/2011 as Indonesia’s Leading Creative Print Ad. As an island destination, Bali is always a favorite because of the raw and quirky features from its nature to its people. For this, Bali Hotels Association brings forth its tourism campaign: Bali is My Life. On top of print advertising, Bali is My Life campaign is done through the social media: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. A documentary movie about Bali will also be launched very soon. You can view the trailer on BHA's website: http://balihotelsassociation.com/bali-is-my-life/video-trailers/

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic Indonesia endorsed the presentation of these prestigious awards during a gala dinner held at the Ritz Carlton Pacific Place, Jakarta, October 21, 2010. “In Indonesia, Bali is an established tourism destination. It is very encouraging for us in BHA to be awarded for our effort to promote Bali globally through ‘Bali is My Life’ campaign,” says Jean-Charles Le Coz, chairman of BHA, “BHA also proudly congratulates its members that won coveted categories in hospitality industry.”

Properties in Bali swept ten awards that night and they are:

1.          Alila Villa Uluwatu (Indonesia’s Villa Of The Year),

2.          Ayana Resort & Spa Bali (Indonesia’s Leading Luxury Resort – Independent),

3.          Bali Niksoma (Indonesia’s Leading Boutique Hotel),

4.          Melia Bali (Indonesia’s Leading Green Hotel),

5.          New Kuta Golf Pecatu (Indonesia’s Leading Golf Resort),

6.          Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa (Indonesia’s Leading Beach Resort),

7.          The Patra Bali Resort and Villas (Indonesia's Leading Airport Hotel) 

8.           The St Regis Bali (Indonesia’s Resort of The Year and Indonesia’s Leading Luxury Resort-Global Chain),

9.          The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali (Indonesia’s Leading Family Resort),

In addition, Bali International Convention Centre was crowned as Indonesia’s Leading MICE Venue, while Bali Safari & Marine Park won Indonesia’s Leading Theme Park.

“All these awards are a symbol of acknowledgment that Bali never ceases to improve its quality of service and facilities in providing the most memorable experience, either for business or leisure, or both,” says Le Coz.

  

Editor’s note: About BHA

Bali Hotels Association is a professional group of star rated hotels, resorts, and villas in Bali. Members include General Managers from more than 100 hotels and resorts in Bali, representing more than 15,000 hotel rooms and almost 30,000 employees in the tourism sector.

One of the objectives of BHA is to support and facilitate the development of communities, education and environment in Bali. BHA has initiated many projects involving the association members as well as the people in the industry.

BHA’s vision is to keep Bali as the most desirable tourism destination in Asia through the warmth and hospitality of its people. The mission is to bring together all General Managers of hotels, resorts, and villas in a non-competitive environment, to exchange information on matters of general interest, to have a common voice on issues pertaining to the tourism and hospitality industries in support of Bali as a destination. BHA also supports and facilitates the development of Balinese community, education and environment initiatives in Bali.

For more about Bali Hotels Association, visit www.balihotelsassociation.com

For more about Bali Is My Life, visit www.baliismylife.com, be our fan: www.facebook.com/baliismylife, follow our tweet: BaliIsMyLife .

For further information, contact:

Jean-Charles Le Coz

Chairman of Bali Hotels Association

chairman@balihotelsassociation.com

For press inquiries, contact:

Rebecca

Media & Public Relations of Bali Hotels Association

pr@balihotelsassociation.com

With regards to the recent natural disasters in Indonesia: the tsunami in West Sumatera and the volcanic eruption in Central Java, we in Bali Hotels Association extend our condolences to the family of the victims. Our thoughts are with them who suffer in this tragedy.

We also would like to inform you that these events happened in the western part of Indonesia, far from Bali. There has been no known physical effect from these geological occurrences to the Bali Island. We are confident that Bali remains safe to travel to and spend time in.

Should you require further information or any updates, please do not hesitate to contact us in Bali Hotels Association.

chairman@balihotelsassociation.com

bhaexecutivedirector@balihotelsassociation.com

pr@balihotelsassociation.com

Bali Hotels Association

WWW.BALIHOTELSASSOCIATION.COM
Secretariat : C/O PHRI Office at BALI TOURISM BOARD Building
Jalan Raya Puputan 41 - Renon. Denpasar 80235, Bali, Indonesia. info@balihotelsassociation.com

Bali On Course for 2.48 million Visitors by Year's End 2010

Bali On Course for 2.48 million Visitors by Year's End 2010

 Total foreign arrivals to Bali for August 2010 equaled 236,080 - an improvement of 6.13% over August 2009 when 222,441 foreign visitors came to the island.

On a cumulative basis January-August 2010, arrivals totaled 1.63 million, an improvement of 11.27% over the same period in 2009 (1.46 million).

 

2010 Year End Projections

 On the assumption that Bali maintains its current 11.27% growth rate through the end of the year, Bali will log in at year's end with a record 2.481 million foreign visitors.

 
Main Market Results
Here's what's happening from Bali's main source market of foreign visitors:
 
• Australia - The boom of Australian visitors to Bali continues. Australian month-on-month visitors improved 28.69% with 58,412 visitors to Bali in August. Aggregate results for the year through August are up 48.71% (401,503). Based on current growth rates, Australia can be expected to end the year with more than 650,000 visitors.
• Japan - August provided some encouraging signs that a modest recovery may be underway from Japan with a month-on-month improvement of 18.23% with 32,000 arrivals. Arrivals year-on-year through the end of August, however, continue to lag with Japanese arrivals down 21.97% (170,126).

 • People's Republic of China - After stagnating for several months, the mainland Chinese market is staging a modest comeback, improving month-on-month 13.83% in August with 21,495 arrivals. Year-on-year Chinese arrivals have increased a more modest 3.02% (139,790).
• Taiwan - Taiwanese arrivals to Bali are on the downturn, declining 6.62% in August at 10,389. Taiwanese arrivals through the end of August, however, remain 11.07% better than 2009.
• Malaysia - Whether due to saturation or declining infatuation due to diplomatic strife between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, tourist arrivals have gone flat from the Malaysian market. August arrivals totaled 10,035 - virtually on a par with August 2009. Cumulatively, Malaysian arrivals through the end of August are down 1.88% (92,094) when compared to 2009.

• South Korea - The lackluster South Korean market which is down 1.52% cumulatively through the end of August, showed signs of improvement in August improving 11.9% (12,325) over August 2009.

• United Kingdom - In the generally improving European market for Bali arrivals, the United Kingdom's arrivals for August were up 5.19% (10,869). Year-on-year through the end of August, U.K. arrivals have improved 18.33% (69.575).
• France - French arrivals are booming to Bali, improving 20% for August (16,284) when compared to August 2009. Year-on-year French arrivals have improved a more modest 2.4%.
• Russia - An uncertain Russian economy is taking its toll on Bali arrivals. Expectation that the Russian market was about to boom have be tempered with arrivals down 3.06% for August 2010 (3,606) as compared to August 2009. Through the end of August, Russian arrivals are up only 3.11%
• Singapore - Reflecting a general trend of shorter holidays closer to home, Singapore arrivals increased month-on-month by 49.5% for August 2010 (6,131). This mirrors a year-long trend with year-on-year arrivals through the end of August also up 55.46%
• The Netherlands - The restoration of flight service between Amsterdam and Bali is reaping bounteous rewards: Dutch arrivals for the month of August improved 79.4% (10,573). Year-on-year Dutch tourists have improved 12.66% through the end of August 2010.
• U.S.A. - The damaged U.S. economy is having a ripple effect on Bali arrivals. August arrivals from the U.S.A. are down a worrying 25.62% (5,353) over 2009. Counted through the end of August U.S.A. arrivals are down a less dramatic 2.11%.
• Germany - German tourists improved 21.51% month-on-month for August 2010 (10,202). Year-on-year through the end of August Germany arrivals are up 6.06% (54,043).

Geographical Results
All geographical regions of the world have improved for Bali through the end of August 2010. Reflecting the dominance of regional travel over long-haul journeys, the strongest growth in travel to Bali is coming from the Asia-Pacific and ASEAN. Underlining this development, the Asia-Pacific and ASEAN now represent a massive 69.71% market share of all foreign travelers coming to Bali.

Source : Bali Discovery tours

Two Million Tourists Visit Bali

Foreign tourists visiting Bali for a holiday reached two million, or close to expected target of 2.3 million this year, tourism observer Dewa Nyoman Putraman, said here. “I believe the number of foreign tourists which reached 95 percent will be increased and even exceed the target set by the government,” he said Tuesday.
Putraman`s satisfaction in the increase is proven by the 232.519 people who have arrived at Ngurah Rai Airport in September 2010, while data showed that 1,678.170 tourists spent their holiday in Bali in January 2010.
“It means that in January to September, 2010, the number foreign tourists coming to the Island of God reached 2.010.689,” Putraman said proudly.
Putraman also said that international people chose Bali as their favorite place for vacation enjoying the beautiful landscape and living culture there.
Tourism promotion, Putraman added, still needs to be raised, especially in countries whose people are often traveling.
The Balinese, particularly Hindus, held religious and custom ceremonies almost everyday, moreover, these activities can attract tourists.
Source : Antaranews

Penanaman Modal Asing meningkat pesat di Bali

Berdasarkan data Badan Penanaman Modal Daerah Bali tingkat investasi penanaman modal di Bali hingga triwulan ke-3 tahun ini mencapai Rp. 5,8 Triliyun. Nilai investasi ini jauh melampaui target yang ditetapkan sebesar Rp 3,1 Triliyun. Apalagi dibandingkan dengan pencapaian pada tahun lalu yang hanya mencapai Rp. 2,29 Triliyun.

Kepala Badan Penanaman Modal daerah Bali Nyoman Suwirya Patra pada keteranganya di Renon (27/10) menyatakan yang cukup mengejutkan adalah hampir 98 persen investasi penanaman modal yang masuk ke Bali pada tahun ini adalah investasi penanaman modal asing terutama untuk sector
pariwisata. Kondisi ini menunjukkan bahwa investasi sector pariwisata di Bali masih cukup menjanjikan.

Namun yang menjadi permasalahan saat ini di Bali yaitu sebagian besar investasi pariwisata ini masih terfokus di Kabupaten Badung dan Denpasar. “pemerataan itu permasalahan kita yang pertama karena sector yang kedua daerah penyebaran yang terfokus di Denpasar dan Badung” ujar
Nyoman Suwirya Patra.

Suwirya Patra menyebutkan meningkatnya investor asing untuk
berinvestasi di Bali karena Bali masih dipandang sebagai destinasi wisata terbaik di dunia. Disisi lain peningkatan keamanan Bali juga menjadi penunjang akan membaiknya bisnis pariwisata di Bali.(mlt)

Let's eat , pray and love in Bali, the island of love

Bal Promotion Center: Bali Dapat Julukan The Island of Love: "DENPASAR--MICOM: Pulau Dewata  Bali bersama Dinas Pariwisata perlu mengucapkan terima kasih kepada para pemeran, sutradara, produser film..."

Bali throws party for ‘Eat Pray Love’ premiere
The Jakarta Post, Kuta

Hollywood movie Eat Pray Love, which features Bali as one of its backdrops, hit the island’s theaters Tuesday evening, drawing enthusiastic responses from viewers.

Local officials and businesses expect the movie to promote tourism on the island.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika said he was proud that the island’s beauty was perfectly depicted in the movie.

“This movie is very good, especially for Bali. It has successfully promoted this island’s beauty,” said Pastika after watching the movie with a group of local officials.

“The film not only features Bali’s beautiful scenery, but also shows the world that Bali has a spiritual power,” he said.

Thanks to the movie, the governor added, Bali was now nicknamed “the island of love”, as well as “the island of gods”, “the island of paradise”, and “the island for peace and democracy”.



“We’re very proud to be ‘the island of love’, since love is part of every human being in the world,” he said, adding that this new nickname was expected to raise Bali’s image and attract more tourists.

The movie, starring top Hollywood actress Julia Roberts, premiered on the same day as the opening of the annual 4th Balinale International Film Festival, which this year showcases 29 films and runs until Sunday.

Several consulate generals, local administration officials, council members, tourist operators, journalists and noted actors and actresses attended the premiere.



Ketut Liyer, the Balinese healer figure featured in the movie, also attended the first public showing. “I’m very happy to watch this movie,” he said.

Eat Pray Love was adapted from the novel by Elizabeth Gilbert. It tells the story of Gilbert’s search for her personal identity that took her to Italy, India and Bali.

Gilbert enjoys delicacies in Italy, learns yoga in India and ends her journey in Bali, where she finds love.

Cokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association’s Bali chapter, forecast that Bali would see an increase in tourist arrivals starting in January next year, especially to locations featured in the movie.

“We predict this movie will boom over the next six months,” he said. The movie was released in the US in August.

The Gianyar regent added that projects to improve tourist facilities were underway in Gianyar, particularly in Ubud.

“We will improve the facilities in the hope that more tourists will come here after seeing this movie.”

Besides Ubud, this movie also depicts Padang Padang beach in Pecatu.

Sony Pictures general manager Brett Hogg said he thanked all related parties for giving the movie crew a chance to make the film in Bali.

“We had a fantastic experience here. Thanks to all who really helped this film get done,” Hogg said.

“I really enjoyed my time [filming] in Bali. And we are very proud of Bali.”

Indonesian prominent actor Didi Petet said the movie could pave the way for other international production companies to film in Bali.

“It’s a source of income for our country. We can show the world that Indonesia is a great place for filming,” he said.
Let's eat, pray and love in Bali, the island of love.

Bali Dapat Julukan The Island of Love

DENPASAR--MICOM: Pulau Dewata  Bali bersama Dinas Pariwisata perlu mengucapkan terima kasih kepada para pemeran, sutradara, produser film Eat, Pray, Love (EPL). Film yang dibintangi Julia Robert itu mendongkrak tingkat kunjungan wisatawan ke Bali.

Film yang memperkenalkan berbagai obyek pariwisata Bali melalui latar belakang pengambilan gambar itu juga membuat Pulau Dewata tersebut mendapat julukan baru sebagai The Island of Love atau Pulau Cinta.

Kepala Biro Humas Provinsi Bali I Putu Suardhika mengatakan, julukan baru bagi Bali sebagai Pulau Cinta secara terus menerus disampaikan oleh Gubernur Bali Made Mangku Pastika dalam berbagai pertemuan berskala internasional, regional, nasional, maupun lokal. Promosi yang terus menerus tersebut akhirnya membuat Bali mendapat julukan baru sebagai Pulau Cinta.



Bahkan, saat ini julukan itu sudah dikenal di seluruh dunia. "Pak Gubenur seringkali mempromosikan Bali sebagai Pulau Cinta dalam berbagai kesempatan terkait dengan film EPL. Promosi ini sering beliau lakukan di luar naskah pidato yang disiapkan," ujar Suardhika.



Julukan sebagai Pulau Cinta tersebut mudah diingat ketika Pastika menyebutkan referensi ke film EPL karena film tersebut saat ini mendapat rating tinggi di Eropa, Amerika, dan Asia. "Ini
harus kita syukuri, karena kehadiran bintang film Hollywood tersebut mampu melahirkan julukan baru Island of Love bagi Bali, yang akan mendukung promosi pariwisata kita," tambahnya. (OL-01)