(6/30/2008) Bali foreign tourist arrivals for the month of May 2008 continued to perform in record-breaking territory achieving 159,877 visitors, a full +24.24% better than the same month in 2007 (128,693).

On a cumulative basis for the months January-May 2008, Bali arrivals totaled 753,934 – improving +25.50% over the same period one year before (601,143).

If Bali manages to sustain its current level of improvement through the end of 2008 it will be assured of achieving the first year ever in which foreign tourist arrivals top 2 million.

Top 5 Sources of Foreign Arrivals

The top 5 countries producing foreign visitors to Bali in May 2008 were:

? Japan 142,161

? Australia 101,465

? Taiwan 60,395

? South Korea 57,300

? People’s Republic of China 55,048

 

(6/28/2008) A South Korean survey team is expected to visit Kuta in the first half of July to undertake a final survey for the installation of 75 CCTV surveillance points in Kuta. The team's visit was recently confirmed to the Regent of Badung by Suhandi, a Director of Rekacipta Teknologi.

The CCTV project is being undertaken on behalf of the National Police Headquarters with funding provided via export credits. The only remaining obstacle for the formal commencement of the project is a final signature of approval from the Indonesian Finance Department.

Project Cost: US$13 Million

"The CCTV products and supporting elements originate from Korea, with the total funds reaching US$13 million, covering 4 major cities in Indonesia, one of which is Bali," explained Suhandi. He added if the process is completed later this month, the contract will be commenced and final surveys, permits and site preparation can be undertaken in anticipation of the arrival of the control room and securing the permits for antennas.

"Our target is that if the appointment is finalized in July, installation can begin in September with the work to be completed and the CCTV operational in January (2009)," said Suhandi in comments made to NusaBali.