Increase in VoA Levies Does Not Affect MICE Market

Policy of central government raising the levy of Visa on Arrival (VoA) at USD 10 did not really have an impact on the MICE travelers spending holidays to Bali. Chairman of the Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INCCA) of Bali Chapter, IB Surakusuma, said on Wednesday (Jul 30) the increase of VoA could be adjusted because most MICE guests were luxurious MICE travelers. As with previous report, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights raised the cost of immigration service effective July 3, 2014. The cost of passport application was IDR 355,000 from IDR 255,000. Meanwhile, the cost of Visa on Arrival (VoA) for 30 days was raised to USD 35 from USD 25. This policy is set in Government Regulation No. 45/2014 on the type of non-tax revenue rates prevailing in the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

IB Surakusuma

Northern and Eastern Bali Areas Potentially Host MICE

All this time, the events of Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) are predominantly held in tourist area of Southern Bali such as Nusa Dua, Kuta, Denpasar and Gianyar. Actually, a number of tourist areas on the island have the potential to host such MICE activities.

“MICE activities can be expanded to the whole area in Bali because they have the potential to develop this sector,” said Chairman of the Indonesian Congress and Convention Association (INCCA) of Bali Chapter, IB Surakusuma, recently.

Jointly Build the Future of Pandawa Beach

After making various efforts in developing the Pandawa Beach tourist attraction, a number of public figures playing an important role in improving the object held a Thank You Gathering Pandawa’s Family. The event taking the theme For the Future of Pandawa Beach was carried out in Wantilan hall of Pandawa Beach, Kutuh, Ungasan, Saturday (Apr 26). The event held for the first time was attended by public figures such as Chief of Kutuh customary village Ketut Suwena, Headman of Kutuh Wayan Purja, Chairman of Kutuh Village Representative (BPD), customary apparatus, chief of administrative and customary hamlet of Kutuh. Besides, it was also attended by the officials like the Chairman of the Indonesia Tour Guides Association (HPI) Bali, Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Tour and Travel Agency (ASITA) Bali, Tourism Research Consortium of the Udayana University Putu Dana Pariawan Salain, management of Banyan Tree Villas Ungasan, travel agencies, Director of Nusa Dua Reef Foundation Pariama Hutasoit, non-commissioned military officer (Babinsa) and rural police (Babinkamtibmas).

Badung Snoops Organic Farming System of Bandung

The success of Bandung County in developing the organic agriculture supplying the need of its community becomes an inspiration of Badung County in developing the tourist area of North Badung. Both regions have something in common such as mountains and cool atmosphere.
It was revealed when the Badung government organized the Development Information Week (PIP) to Bandung County denoting the continuation of similar activity in Surabaya. The entourage led by the Regent of Badung AA Gde Agung was received by the Regent of Bandung, H. Dadang Mochamad Naser.

Badung Adopts Drainage and Sanitation System of Surabaya

Badung County known as an international tourist destination always provides comfort for community as well as travelers. Public facilities like parks are always kept clean and beautiful. Similarly, it also manages the drainage system, so as to overcome the stagnant rainwater or flood. Therefore, Badung always makes innovation. Even, it does not hesitate to learn from other regions. On April 28 to May 2, the Badung government conducted a Week Development Information (PIP) to Surabaya Municipality and Bandung County. It was meant to realize Badung as comfortable town and the town of the future. The PIP involved a number of print and electronic journalists led by Badung Regent AA Gde Agung. They were received by the Secretary of Surabaya Municipality Hendro Gunawan and a number of regional working units. Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini who was on assignment in Jakarta met the entourage of the PIP Badung in the afternoon before the evening. After that, she flew back to Jakarta.