In Reply to: So you don't drink and have much money! posted by ilab11 on Friday, 6. February 2009 at 20:28 Bali Time:
area of concern!
It is NOT just the cost of a bottle of "whiskey or gin" but the livelihood of not just Balinese - but those all over Indonesia who rely on the "Tourism Dollar" (and I have recently resigned my position as Chairman of North Sulawesi Tourism Organisation)who stand to lose.
Bali has some magnificent Conference & Convention Facilties - Manado had just seen 4 new 4/5 Star Hotels come "on-line" in anticipation of World Ocean Conference and on-going International Conference bookings.
It is not just the Conference/Convention business which stands to lose by the Indonesian Governent's "shoot itself in the foot" policies, but the livelihood of EVERY Balinese Hotel/Restaurant which stands to lose if tourists stay-away.
Hopefully there are some "in high places" who read forums such as this. Constructive dialogue may just help the "lawmakers" to see the impact on potetial future tourism.
I must say I am delighted to read "no more to add now or in future"!
Let the dialogue remain!!!
Cheers.....LES
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