DENPASAR (indo.com): The number of Australian travelers visiting Bali is predicted to increase by June-July, 2002, an Australian consul has said here.

Ross Tysoe assured the Bali tourism practitioners of the Australians' continued interest in Bali, saying that despite rumors on their decreased interest in visiting Bali because of heated political issues, Bali remains a safe tourist destination.

The consul made the remark in a 'Thank You Party' at the Radisson Hotel on March 21, 2002. The party was also attended by the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association's (PHRI) chairman Gde Wirata. Through the party, the Australian Government expressed thanks to tourism practitioners, entrepreneurs, press and other tourism industrialists in Bali for their long-term cooperation.

He said that with a bilateral meeting between Indonesia and Australia held in Bali, many Australians have shown returned trust towards Indonesia, particularly Bali.