TOKYO, JAPAN – At least 30 Japan travel agencies gathered at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday (12/3) to discuss and support Bali’s future success.
The meeting of Japan travel agencies was a success. Participants acknowledged that Japanese people have a strong affection for Bali.
“We, the Japanese, truly love Bali,” said Kanae Takami, one of the travel agents in the meeting.
However, she also highlighted several issues that need to be addressed in Bali.
READ ALSO: Ubud Writers and Readers Festival unveil the Theme 2025
“Bali has become very congested, and it would be beneficial if the visa requirement for Japanese tourists could be waived. Additionally, the tourism tax is somewhat confusing for us,” she added.
Another travel agency representative, who preferred to remain anonymous, also reveal several problem.
“Nowadays, domestic tourism within Japan is the preferred choice for many Japanese people because it is more affordable and even subsidized by the government. This makes domestic travel far more economical. Moreover, the weak yen against the US dollar is also a factor that deters Japanese tourists from traveling abroad,” the travel agent representative explained.
Regarding the request for a visa exemption, the Coordinator of Socio-Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Muhammad Al Aula, stated that the proposal would be submitted to the central government.
“We will monitor the growth in the number of Japanese tourists visiting Indonesia. Currently, the number is around 300,000 per year. If the number increases significantly, this policy may be reconsidered,” he said.
Furthermore, some Japan travel agencies expressed concerns regarding waste management in Bali.
“How is waste management being handled in Bali?” asked one participant.
A representative from Bali Tourism Promotion, Gilda Sagrado, explained that the local government has been addressing the issue gradually, from the city/regency level up to the provincial level.
“Moreover, the waste collected will be better recycled in the future. At present, waste management has become one of the priority projects for the Indonesian government,” she emphasized.
At the conclusion of the event, the organizers held a prize draw. Several participants, including two representatives from Japan travel agencies, won free stays at two hotels in Bali.
Each winner was awarded a stay at The Magani, presented by Corporate Sales Manager Yessy Olivia Yuliza, and at Grand Seminyak, with the prize being handed directly to the winners by Sales and Marketing Director Ogie F. Rozi.
All Japan travel agencies representative attended the meeting expressed hope that Bali Tourism Promotion would continue running similar promotional programs annually to keep the Japanese public informed about the latest developments on the Island of the Gods. ( mybalinews/IST)
Be the first to comment