Bali Governor Orders Data Collection Amid Hotel Sale Rumors

Amidst circulating news about the sale of several hotels in Bali, Governor Wayan Koster has instructed the Bali Tourism Agency to collect data to ascertain the actual situation. This data collection will be carried out in coordination with the Badung Tourism Agency and the Licensing Agency. Reports suggest that accommodation properties in various districts across Bali are being offered for sale at prices ranging from tens of billions to hundreds of billions of rupiah. The reasons cited for these sales include alleged business pressures and a decline in tourist arrivals. However, the Bali Provincial Government stated that current tourism conditions are normal and relatively stable. Daily statistical data indicates that foreign tourist arrivals range from approximately 20,000 to 24,000 people per day, while domestic tourists number between 12,000 and 14,000 people daily. Governor Koster assessed that these figures demonstrate that Bali's tourism activity is still performing well. Therefore, he estimated that the sale or closure of a number of hotels is more likely related to the internal conditions of the companies. "Tourism is up, this must be related to their business. Before, there were business events not only in Bali. In Bali it was good, but outside Bali it was heavy, finally the profits here were sucked there, couldn't stand it, closed here, sold," Koster explained. He elaborated that some companies have businesses in multiple areas, and when businesses outside Bali face pressure, profits from Bali can be used to cover losses elsewhere, leading to closures or sales. The Bali Provincial Government also denied allegations that hotels are being sold due to an excess of rooms from massive accommodation construction. Koster stated that room occupancy rates are maintained as long as the business is managed well, noting that occupancy rates for star hotels currently range between 80 to 90 percent. The data collection by the Bali Tourism Agency aims to clarify how many hotels are actually being sold and the business backgrounds behind these decisions. Source: VOI English