There is an article in todays paper, basically jumping on the back of the Kelly Slater slag off of Bali beaches, due to rubbish, needles etc., but enlarging with additional comment about loud Australians and how they are actually bad for Bali business as they keep "good tourists" away.
The writer states that the average spend of Aussies in Bali has dropped from USD300 pre 2002 to just USD100 (I assume per head) per day now.
He also states that the average stay by Australians these days is three or four days.
I don't know what hotel he stayed at Pre 2002, but if he stayed at the same one now I suspect that it is not now one third of the price!
I am sure that some people do take weekenders to Bali now with cheap fares available, but these will not be families but rather singles or couples or even FIFO workers (Who may just spend more that USD100 per day)
I really think that if journos want to hop on the band wagon and have a ride on the back of a celebrities comments, they should do some meaningful research first.
And if they want to enjoy peaceful surrounds around the pool, they do not stay where there is a pool bar with the barman calling out "Pool Bingo" numbers (what is that??!) which will inevitably encourage some sort of response from those who appreciate that sort of amenity.
Incidentally, I agree about the rubbish, overcrowding, traffic, over development and stretched infrastructure.
However, we should expect better from those who are paid to present balanced and reasonably accurate facts and figures, including those involving Bali.