Tourists bothered by beggars, traders

DENPASAR, Bali: Governor Ida Bagus Oka said he has received many complaints from foreign tourists annoyed by swarming souvenir hawkers in virtually every tourism location here.

"For example, I received the other day two letters from tourists from America and Germany, complaining about beggars and the small traders in the Nusa Dua and Kuta beaches," Oka was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying yesterday.

"The tourists said that beggars and hawkers are often such a pest, forcing them into buying something or giving them money," Oka said. He added that the problem is a serious one as it could create a bad impression and harm the tourism industry of the scenic island.

He said that the number of tourists from Japan visiting Bali dropped significantly following the widely-publicized news of a cholera outbreak recently.

"I've just returned from a special trip to Japan to convince its tourism operators that the news was a fabrication," he said.

"If necessary, we will take measures to discipline the hawkers and the beggars. We'll probably set up a special place for the small traders to open their businesses in," he promised. (swe)