Chinese Tourists In Bali Increase 53.29 Percent

Denpasar, Bali, July 26 (ANTARA) - Chinese tourists arriving in Bali reached the highest percentage ever, 53.29 percent, during the first half year. Tourism observer Dewa Nyoman Putra, here on Thursday, said the increasing arrival of foreign tourists showed Bali maintains good security and tourists were comfortable with Bali as a holiday destination. Officials noted that tourists from China coming to Bali have increased by 56.702 from 106.401 Chinese visitors during the first half of 2011. However, Asian tourists from Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia coming to Bali have recently decreased, while the number of Korean visitors has remained stable. Further, Dewa Nyoman mentioned that the number of Japanese tourists decreased by 8.030, from 89.490 tourists during the first half of 2011. The reasons for the decrease in tourists from Japan to Bali included the impact of the global economic crisis and the general condition in Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami. It was also noted that Bali should provide more promotions and continue to improve tourism services to encourage more tourist arrivals from foreign countries. Official data showed foreign visitors coming to Bali increased 7.73 percent, reaching 1.3 million people, during the period from January to June 2012.