New Year in Bali to have Russian flavor

New Year in Bali to have Russian flavor

Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar

New Year's Eve should be a festive event in Bali, with foreign
visitors, Russians in particular, set to celebrate the holiday at
luxury hotels and villas at the island's top destinations of
Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Sanur.

Amadeo Zarzoza, general manager of the Bali Intercontinental
Resort in Jimbaran, said the resort has had a 100 percent
occupancy rate since Dec. 22 and this perfect record was expected
to continue at least through Jan. 7.

"We have a strong upscale Russian market occupying 40 percent
of the resort's rooms. The remaining 60 percent comprises other
European guests, including those coming from countries as far
away as Greece, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as
Australia," said Zarzoza

Most of these guests are returnees, he said.

"This is very encouraging for the hotel industry in Bali, in
general, to have such dependable travelers, mostly well-to-do and
mature guests, who are not put off by negative news on Bali or
other disturbances," Zarzoza said.

The flood of Russian tourists has provided new hope for the
flagging Bali tourist industry following the Oct. 1 bombings. The
island's tourist industry has been traditionally dominated by
tourists from Japan, Australia, Taiwan and Europe.

"We did not expect this high occupancy rate given the current
circumstances, but the coming of the Russian visitors and those
from new and alternative markets has been very helpful in filling
up hotel rooms in Bali," Zarzoza said.

For the island's hotels and resorts, having Russian guests is
beneficial because of the lengths of their stay, usually more
than 12 days. They also spend a good deal of money each day on
food, beverages and entertainment.

Evi Suryaningsih, public relations manager at the Melia Bali
Villas and Spa Resort in Nusa Dua, said the occupancy rate of her
resort was almost 100 percent, with 50 percent of the guests
coming from Russia.

Hotels and resorts in Nusa Dua such as The Westin Resort and
the Grand Hyatt are now serving mostly Russian clientele.

The Kuta, Tuban and Seminyak areas are still the preferred
hubs for most Australian and domestic tourists.

Dewi Karmawan, marketing communications manager at the Hard
Rock Hotel in Kuta, said she was pleased to have a full booking
for the coming New Year's holiday, with lots of domestic tourists
from places like Jakarta and Surabaya.

Fransisca Meilia Fiyanti, the public relations manager at the
Bali Dynasty in Tuban, was pleased to announce an occupancy rate
of between 80 percent and 90 percent.

Wawan Dharmawan, general manager of the Kamadalu Resorts and
Spa in Ubud, said the resort had seen an increase in the number
of reservations for its 50 luxury villas.

"My major clients are Japanese and domestic clients. I am
quite surprised to have so many domestic guests, who usually
choose Kuta," added Wawan saying the resort would have a good
occupancy rate at least through Jan. 7.

Most of the hotels and resorts in Bali plan to hold relatively
quiet New Year's celebrations as compared to last year.

Tightening security remains their top to ensure the safety of
guests.

The Hard Rock Hotel, for instance, has a K-9 team consisting
of five security dogs that can sniff out explosives and other
hazardous materials. The dogs will be stationed at the hotel's
entrance, lobby and other access points.

Tourist Police and local security guards, known as pecalang,
will also closely monitor numerous strategic spots in Kuta, Nusa
Dua, Jimbaran, Seminyak and Sanur, to ensure that visitors feel
safe when celebrating the New Year.