Although more holidaymakers have been traveling to the holiday paradise of Bali, which is known for its temples and rice fields, for several months, many employees in the sector continue to complain about low income. “I still have hardly any customers,” said Wayan Maja, who runs a small travel company in the seaside resort of Sanur. Many are now hoping that the G20 summit in Bali in November will turn the tide.
According to many Balinese, things went a little better in the main season of July and August, but the unusually rainy October threw a spanner in the works for many in the tourism industry. Concerns in Europe about the war in Ukraine and the still largely closed borders in China are also contributing to the ongoing slack. By far the majority of holidaymakers are currently traveling from Australia – as was the case before the pandemic.
Even if statisticians speak of a positive trend: The Sanur Boardwalk along the beach, which is popular with walkers and cyclists, is often almost deserted, in cafés the employees are eagerly waiting for customers and most of the beach chairs remain unused.
Things aren’t going much better in the yoga paradise of Ubud and in Kuta, a place popular with surfers and party-goers. The once-thriving clothing and souvenir stalls along the famous Poppies Lane II are often only strolled by a handful of tourists. “I often only sell a part a day, sometimes nothing at all,” says one shop owner.
The eyes of many Balinese are now eagerly awaiting the G20 summit taking place on November 15th and 16th in Nusa Dua in the south of the island. Top politicians from all over the world are expected to attend. “Hopefully everyone will be talking about Bali again,” says Wayan Maja. “It’s good publicity for the island.”
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