Government of Bali, Indonesia has reassured tourists with complimentary alternate arrangements during a natural emergency like the volcanic eruption of Friday, 29 June.
I Made Badra, Director Tourism, Badung Regency, the leading tourist regency in Bali, told at the closing press conference of BBTF’2018 on Friday: “We are relieved that the airport reopened at 2.30 pm, ahead of scheduled 7 pm opening. This was a natural disaster which was not in our hands. We transported 191 stranded passengers to nearest airports of Surabaya and Lombok and provided complimentary meal at a hotel close to the airport to other passengers. Our government guarantees similar arrangements and a night’s free stay with breakfast to any passenger if such unprecedented incident occurs anytime in future.”
Bali was hosting the third day of Bali & Beyond Travel Fair(BBTF) 2018, the premier international travel trade fair of the country, when volcano at Mt Agung erupted and disrupted flight operations at Ngurah Rai international airport. 75,000 passengers were inconvenienced during 9 hour shut down starting 3 am on Friday. 446 flights were cancelled, out of which were 239 domestic and 207 international.
Bali is the tourist gateway of Indonesia and receives more than 5 million international tourists every year. The tourist hotpot of South East Asia is preparing to host 57,000 big International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation from 8 to 14 October this year. 15,000 top delegates from 189 countries have already reserved 4600 rooms across 8 official hotels. 1200 events will be held at 89 venues during the prestigious world event. I Made Badra said: “Whole of Badung regency is being made a free Wi Fi zone and to have CCTV cameras for safety and security. These facilities will be permanent.”
Government’s assurance of complimentary emergency services comes as an ssurance for tourists planning a visit to the beautiful beach and culture attractions of Bali and beyond to any destination in Indonesia.
Written by Anand & Madhura Katti
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