"We will also launch an international campaign through international fora and media on Bali tourism which is not written by Time."
Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik said he would not seek the right of reply from Time magazine for describing Bali as a "hell" for tourists in its April 7, 2011 edition.

"If we seek the right of reply (from the magazine), it will only create the impression that we have a serious problem. So, we will just clarify (the matters) and, if it is necessary, we will invite Time journalists to Bali," Minister Wacik said in Nusa Dua, on Friday.

Wacik said it would be better to invite Time journalists to see the situation of Bali tourism directly because "seeing is believing."

In its April 7, 2011 edition, Time in an article titled "Holidays in Hell: Bali`s Ongoing Woes," reported that Bali was plagued by scores of acute problems that had degraded it as a famous tourist destination by the ever crowded traffic, garbage-tainted Kuta beach, uncontrollable construction of more hotels and shopping centers.

"We will also launch an international campaign through international fora and media on Bali tourism which is not written by Time," Wacik said who refuting the alleged assumption that Bali is not anymore interesting for international visitors.

Wacik added that as many as 7,800 international tourists visit Bali these days compared to the average arrivals of 4,500 a few years ago. Campaign will also launched by his ministry through participation in international tourism exhibitions.

Wacik said he wondered with the latest report of Time because this magazine gave award to Bali in 2006 as the Best Island Tourism Destination in the World.

Some other international tourism magazines have also presented awards to Bali for its tourism excellence, including from Luxury Travel Magazine Travel and Leisure Magazine (Bali as The Best Island Destination in The World, DestinAsian Magazine ( The Best Island in Asia Pacific), and Senses Wellness in 2009 during International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin which declared Bali as the Best Destination Spa in the World.

"Therefore, it`s just impossible that Bali is not anymore interested for international tourists because the awards and all the appreciations had been presented based on the polling of their opinions," said Wacik.
(Uu.KR-VFT/HAJM/O001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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