Klungkung, Ancient Kingdoms

Klungkung Tourism Board Ready to Promote the Region

The recovery program conducted by the government after the Bali Bomb blast, on 12 October 2002 greatly affected the tourism sector in Klungkung Regency. During the recovery process work, the government of Klungkung Regency, especially the Regional Office of Tourism, Art and Culture, conducted intensively the arrangement of existing tourist destinations in its region. The main purpose of this activity was to make them more attractive to visit.

While waiting for normal tourism to return, and the number of visitors to increase, tourist destinations in Klungkung are ready to be enjoyed by visitors. “So, in the low season, we arrange these tourist destinations, and when the situation gets back to normal, the destinations are ready to visit,” Drs. IB Sudarsana, the Chairman of the Regional Office of Klungkung Tourism, Art and Culture clarified.
Asked for his opinions on the government’s strategy in facing the tourism sector in 2004, Sudarsana described the development programs in the tourism sector of Klungkung. Apart for the program mentioned, security at each tourist destination will be improved.. With a secure condition, tourists can enjoy sightseeing optimally and will be interested in returning. He added, the year 2004 is full of challenges, especially in security affairs, but he was optimistic that tourists will certainly select Bali as their destination.
To attract more tourists to Klungkung, Sudarsana tried hard to promote abroad. This promotion has been done through the Internet, brochures, expos, newspapers and television. Cooperation with travel agents both at home and overseas remains intact. In keeping with such efforts, the Klungkung Tourism Board (KTB) has been established. KTB is an agency that organizes tourism potential in Klungkung that is expected to participate in improving the tourism sector in Klungkung Regency. This agency was established last year, to play a role in development, including searching for investors for tourism development in Klung-kung. Members of KTB consist of tourism businessmen from Klungkung, public figures, government, non-government organizations (LSM) and the public.
With the support of KTB, the tourism sector in Klungkung is optimistic to welcome 2004 to be better. So, the tourist destination that numbers 17 points can be optimally managed. For the program of 2004, Sudarsana will work on Nusa Penida more intensively as a marine tourism destination.. Nusa Penida will be inventoried, researched and developed. Through pier establishment a supporting infrastructure for marine tourism is expected to develop the potential of Nusa Penida that possesses panoramic views of underwater reefs. With the fluency of transportation, investors will be more interested to develop its potential.
It is not only focused on the tourist destinations owned by Klungkung, but also other supporting potentials. One of them is art and culture. In this field, his office has inventoried the existing art troupes. Furthermore, these troupes are empowered to support the customs and tourism activities, as well as several types of art that is to be preserved. (BTN/Wawan)