Bali - The Comeback Kid

(Originally published in July 2007)

Having encountered two terrorist bomb attacks in 2005 and 2003, Bali’s tourism and MICE industry has been in the doldrums for the past two years. However, the light at the end of the tunnel seemed to be finally shining through.

While visitors from traditional markets of Australia, Europe and the US still shun this resort island of Indonesia, Bali is gradually seeing more tourists and events from new markets like India, Russia and the East Asia region. Earlier this year, an Indian couple had a grand wedding party for 500 people, held on a pontoon in the sea off the coast of Lembongan island; another glittery Bollywood function is in the works. A Major regional medical conference took place in Bali in April, while regional corporate meetings and incentive groups are coming back.

Nevertheless, Bali’s visitor numbers is still a far cry from its heydays before the bombings, as local tour agencies admit. The unusually high waves crashed onto Bali’s Kuta beach in May bringing fears of greater damage, like the Tsunami that devastated many Asian beach resorts in 2005.

Let’s hope this would not slow down the pace of recovery, because Bali, despite decades of commercialization, is still a culturally rich island full of beautiful scenic spots, historic sites, beaches, sea-sports and interesting art forms that attract visitors from all over the world. Coupled with numerous local, international hotels and the well-equipped Bali International Convention Center, this island is indeed an excellent venue for MICE events.

One note of caution, though: if you plan to hold an event in Bali, or perhaps anywhere in Indonesia, do try to source for gifts, souvenirs and other event collaterals locally, because the custom clearance for items sent through courier or freight services could be quite a nightmare, and may cost more than the price of your goods!