Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Bali province enjoyed an increase of 19.89 percent in visa on arrival (VoA) from foreign tourists during the first quarter of 2012, and its tourism revenue reached US$14.4 million, from US$14.3 million during the same period last year.

Senior Researcher from Central Bank of Indonesia Region III Sunarto said the revenue increased because of the higher number of foreign tourists visiting Bali.

According to statistical data on the financial report of Bali province, the revenue from foreign tourists who came to Bali was excellent in light of the current situation of the global economy.

"The rise in revenue in the tourism sector is mainly because of the foreigners who pay for VoA," Sunarto said, adding that not all foreign tourists paid for such visa when coming to Bali.

As reported by the Bali Tourism department, 695,610 foreign tourists came to Bali during the January-March period.

Tourists can enter Bali through three main gates - Padangbai Harbour, Tanjong Benoa Harbour and Ngurah Rai International Airport - but most of them arrived this year via Ngurah Rai Airport.

The revenue from foreign tourists has boosted the economy of the local community, which still relies largely on tourism, micro-industries and agriculture.

Many tourists from foreign countries spend more than a week in Bali. The longer they stay, the more they pay for VoA.

Tourism is one of the main pillars of Bali`s economy. The island resort`s economic growth during the first quarter of 2012 was recorded at 6.09 percent.
(U.F013/INE/F013/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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