In Reply to: Don't understand posted by sofe on Tuesday, 24. April 2007 at 14:41 Bali Time:
March has been an all-time record month with 119.000 foreign arrivals to Bali. The number of Australians visiting is still well down at only 12.000 for March, compared with 30.000 Japanese. This makes the Australian frequented areas seem quiet but other areas are busy and growing fast. The mix of tourists is changing with Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Europe,especially Russia all doing well. These visitors generally have different objectives for their holidays and are much more likely to be out around the island on daily activities so not so visible in the older shopping areas. Don't think Bali is under a cloud - it's all go forward. If you look at Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Ulawatu, Seminyak/Canggu areas all are doing quite well with upmarket suites/villas in the $US300+ range attracting a diffeent clientele who aren't walking the usual shopping streets. One example is the Russians who were nil three years ago but are now a vital part of Bali tourism with at least 6 tour companies fully devoted to them. They enjoy getting out around Bali daily and show impressive buying power for quality products. Florist shops are thriving and multiplying which is a good sign of higher value tourism.