In Reply to: Government bringing more flights posted by dadvet on Sunday, 5. April 2009 at 07:27 Bali Time:
is all I can say.
There are many hotels (the resort of which I was GM in North Sulawesi included) which will not accept Russian Groups at ANY price!
Russian tourists appear to be in two distinct categories: Firstly there is the "original money" - Aristocracy - who are wonderful people - educated, articulate and gracious. I have had the pleasure to recently serve one such couple on two occasions within 12 Months and they would have to be described as "the perfect guests". You would certainly never see these folk on a "Russian Charter Airline" - rather Singapore Airlines First/Business Class.
There is then the "new "black" money brigade" who want to completely take-over a property in which they are staying. They are generally rude and extremely arrogant in their attitude towards both Staff and other Guests. Admittedly, there is no shortage of money to literally throw-around and the males inevitably appear with a "playboy-like 'bimbo'" on their arm. If you have ever been in the unfortunate position to share a hotel with a group from Russia you will undoubtedly appreciate what I am saying.
Yes the money is plentiful and they do certainly boost the arrivals numbers, but I seriously believe that they will damage Bali's tourism in the long-term.