Island hoping for tourism reboot with APEC summit
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The week-long Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which opens today in Nusa Dua, will place Bali back in the global shop window as a top tourist destination.
“During the APEC Summit, economic leaders from around the world who have important roles in the global economy will gather in Bali. This will place Bali in the global spotlight. And of course, it will significantly boost Bali’s brand as a favourite tourist destination,” said Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika.
Pastika said the APEC Summit would be widespread promotion that Bali would get for free.
“None of the annual provincial budget is being used to host the APEC Summit. However, Bali has had infrastructure projects funded by the state budget implemented ahead of the summit. Bali’s tourism is also automatically being promoted to the world during the summit,” Pastika said.
Among several extensive infrastructure projects completed on the island ahead of APEC is the Dewa Ruci underpass, at a cost of around 148 billion rupiah (Bt400 million), funded by the state budget. The 435-metre underpass is targeted at easing severe traffic congestion choking Bali’s main tourist routes in the south.
The island’s airport has also been renovated and expanded at a cost of 2.8 trillion rupiah, while the island has also received its first toll road, connecting Benoa–Ngurah Rai–Nusa Dua, built at a cost of 2.5 trillion rupiah.
The retired three star police general said that building a brand was neither easy nor cheap. “Let us use this opportunity to further strengthen our brand by giving the best impression to all heads of state, economic leaders, as well as APEC delegates,” he said.
In the short term, Pastika said, Bali’s tourist industry would also reap significant benefits from the summit.
“The summit will directly affect hotel occupancy rates, as many hotels are being used for APEC delegates. Many other facilities also benefit. The event is very positive for Bali,” he said.
Attending the summit are some 21 heads of state and government, 46 ministers, 5,250 economic leaders and around 3,000 journalists, taking up 30,000 hotel rooms and 3,000 vehicles.
The summit is expected to boost the island’s economic growth, with a robust 6.81 per cent forecast this year, up on the 6.6 per cent growth in 2012.
