DENPASAR (indo.com): At least 12 travel agencies in Bali are seeking a new tourism market in China, with a tourism promotion campaign expected to be held from November 8 to 11, 2001.

The tourism promotion programs will include cultural performances and a press conference at Kunming, China. The program is expected to provide a breakthrough for Indonesia's tourism industrialists to seize opportunities in China.

The Indonesian China Travel Commission's (ICTC) Chief Adjis Budidjaja said that the tourism industrialists are expected to make use of the opportunity to promote tourism in Bali at a time when the number of US and European tourist arrivals has dropped significantly. Indonesia's tourism industrialists are also expected to participate in the China International Travel Mart (CITM) that will provide an opportunity for the industrialists to attract Chinese tourists.

He said that while China constitutes a good tourism market opportunity for Indonesia, certain issues still need to be addressed to develop the link between the countries. One such issue is the absence of the direct flight from China to Jakarta and Bali.

He said that Bali can become a favourite tourist destination for the Chinese, while giving assurance that the Island of Gods remains safe and peaceful.

Many tourists from US and Europe have reportedly cancelled their visit to Indonesia, particularly Bali, due to heightening anti-American sentiment since the US launched air strikes against Afghanistan.