Decree on visa issue will affect Bali's foreign tourist arrivals

DENPASAR (indo.com): Bali's Governor Dewa Beratha has reportedly expressed his concern about the government's move to change the policy on the visa-free-on-arrival facility.

The Governor has reportedly sent a letter expressing his concern about the presidential degree changing the policy on visa-free-on-arrival facility, saying that the change of the policy would reduce the number of foreign tourist arrivals in Bali.

The Governor's objection to the change of policy on visa-free-on-arrival facility for citizens of 48 countries was revealed during a press conference held by representatives of Bali's chapter of the Association of Travel Agents(ASITA)on May 1, 2003.

ASITA-Bali and other stakeholders of Bali tourism industry have asked the government to review the new policy or delay the enforcement of the policy until Bali tourism recovers. The association's chairman I Gusti Bagus suggested major tourism markets, including Australia, Japan, Taiwan and the United States be exempted from the new policy.

In the meantime, Bagus Sudibya representing Bali's Executive Committee of ASITA has called on all components of Bali's tourism industry along with members of local government to unite to oppose the new policy.