”Megibung”

TANJUNG BENOA - Bali Tropic Resort & Spa held Balinese tradition called “Megibung” or eating together. Shown in the picture: Mr. and Mrs. Duurkoop from Holland, a Bali Tropic Resort & Spa 10 times repeated guest join ‘Megibung’ accompanied by Mr. Sudiarsa, Sales Manager & Mr. Yande, Finance Controller. (BTN/*)

”Pura” Still an Interesting Tourist Destination

TAMPAKSIRING – Recently Tampaksiring was crowded by visitors, especially from Japan, Thailand, and China. In Tampaksiring visitors can enjoy the beautiful Tirtha Empul Temple. There are many shrines (Pelinggih-pelinggih), spring water (air kelebutan), holy spraying water (pancuran), and a pool for bathing and good views with nice weather. Next to it there is an Indonesia Presidential Palace building that was built for Bung Karno, the first President of Indonesia. On Entering the temple area; visitors have wear correct costume like Balinese textiles (kamben) together with a long wide shawl and organizers will supply one on entering the gateway. (BTN/yan beryas)

Avian Flu Fact

PATA in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO) is today releasing an avian flu fact file for the travel industry. The document includes information on risk of an outbreak, facts about human infection, and facts about the (almost non-existent) risk to travellers. The document includes Web site addresses of two critical WHO manuals: Responding to the Avian Influenza Pandemic Threat — Recommended Strategic Actions and The WHO Checklist for Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning.
Apart from consulting with WHO, PATA conducted a survey of members to gauge the impact, if any, avian flu concerns were having on travel bookings. Overall, there has been a very limited impact.

Speaks Out on Terrorism

PATA will publish a full-page opinion piece on terrorism in TIME and FORTUNE magazines. Entitled, ‘Terrorism: The Travel Industry Speaks Out’, the article says that geopolitics, society and culture may not have been focal issues for the travel industry in the past, but they are now. The article says: “We need to lobby our political and community leaders to address the root causes and motivations that spawn extremism and terrorism, and to be sensitive to ethnic and religious minorities.”
Based on PATA’s Total Tourism Survey: The Industry Speaks, the opinion piece calls for all issues that directly impact the travel industry to be vigorously debated at travel industry gatherings. The article will appear in the Asia edition of TIME (excluding India, Australia and Japan) on December 5 and the Asia edition of FORTUNE on December 12.

Bali Jazz Festival

BADUNG – About 36 jazz groups from Indonesia and abroad participated in the Bali Jazz Festival. The first International Bali Jazz Festival held in Bali took place at Hard Rock Café and Sand Island Hard Rock Hotel, 18 – 20 November. The participants who came from abroad are Urs. Ramseyer Trio (Swiss), Bali Lounge (the collaboration of Indonesia, Malaysia, AS and Singapore). There were some musicians from Indonesia participating such as Pra Budi Dharma, Indra Lesmana, Gilang Ramadhan (PIG), Krakatau (Dwiki Dharmawan, Pra Budi Dharma, Ubiet, Ade Rudiana Zainal Arifin, Yoyon Dharsono and Gerry Herb). On the other hand some group from Bali like Balawan and Batuan Ethnic Fusion, Koko Harsoe & Friends, Saharja, Xinao featuring Dian Pratiwi, Soulmate featuring Maya hasan and Yuri Mahatma and friends also took part in the event. According to the coordinator of Bali Jazz Festival Arief Budiman, besides Bali Jazz Festival there are also several events likes Jazz Concert at the Galleries, Cultural Performances, Jazz Gala Dinner and Jazz Workshop. (BTN/015)