DENPASAR (indo.com): the internationally acclaimed tourist resort of Bali is also the leader in Asia's time-share business for travelers.

Account Manager of Resort Service IRC Indonesian branch Asril Abdullah told the Bali Post that it was the natural beauty and traditional culture that maintained Bali's appeal among Asian destinations. He was speaking at the ceremony to award the Gold Crown Resort to Club Bali Suites on Tuesday, January 15, 2002.

Despite increasing competition in other parts of Asia - Malaysia in particular - demand for time-share deals in Bali was increasing and he expected the island to maintain its lead position.

Among 370 resorts involved in the time-share business, Indonesia has managed around 26, most of which are located in Bali. The business has averaged an annual 17.5% increase since 1997. Despite a recent decrease in the number of tourists visiting the island, this strong growth in the time-share business continued throughout 2001, Asril said.