Ayu Herawati
Stays Optimistic

Optimistic and remaining to make an effort, are assets that should be owned by tourism businesspeople today." Ths was said by Ayu Herawati, Sales & Marketing Manager of La Taverna Bali.
According to her, the situation of Bali tourism today encounters sluggishness. This obstacle does not only have an effect on the industry, but also on other aspects of life concerning the economy and social life of Balinese community.
Pronounced, what is experienced by Bali today is just like a wheel. If in the 1990s, tourism of Bali occupied on top of a wheel and reached its golden period, today it is at the bottom. This condition should be accepted cleverly and it is not the time to blame one another but to revive and to try moving the wheel in order to reach the top again. "The role of various parties, private sector or government supremely determines the destiny of Bali tourism. It’s all about Bali, not just about La Taverna," she affirms.
According to Ayu, quality improvement in product, service, human resources and promotion are strategies played by a Sales & Marketing Manager. "The current condition is a challenge for me as Sales and Marketing Manager. On that account, I’m optimistic that we can get out from this situation. Assuredly, it is due to good cooperation from all departments and staff," she says.
"Though our hotel belongs to the two-star category, do not be mistaken. Standard of service we provide here is of the same class as that of five star and stays to present the pristine atmosphere of Bali as our distinctive feature," reveals this woman having simple appearance.
This charming woman that is deeply involved in the hotel business for 14 years commenced her career as Sales and Marketing Secretary at Intan Bali Village (1992). Later, she also worked at some other hotels in Bali and eventually determined La Taverna Bali Hotel as her ultimate harbour since 2005 up to these days. Originally, Ayu admits that she did not have any aspiration to be involved in the tourism domain. She wished to become a doctor, but after she observed her elder brother being successful in the tourism industry, she then followed the same path. Finally, she decided to choose Accommodation Major at Tourism School in 1989. (BTN/Rai)

Mrs. Ida Rastini A. d’Oei
"Festival of Indonesia 2008"

Collaboration presentation of 12 British and Indonesian artists in BiasArts Touring Exhibition 2006 in Bali, 10 July-8 October 2006 is a fresh breeze for the art aficionados and concurrently becomes an entertainment for tourism in Bali. Execution of such rare exhibition is initiated by Ida Rastini A. d’Oei, the founder of non-government organization BIAS (British-Indonesian Artists’ Society).
According to Ida, such event will remain to be undertaken in the endeavour to introduce and encourage mutual understanding between the art’s society in England and Indonesia. "I hope and I am optimistic that every single leap performed by BiasArt will succeed. My ambition is to organize the Festival of Indonesia 2008, where only the best from Indonesia will be presented in England, ranging from performing and visual arts, film and contemporary literature of Indonesia staged on different venues during the festival in England," utters the woman staying permanently in England since 1971.
As a creative figure, Ida has numerous ideas, starting from curatorial to artistic, as well as projects related to arts and tourism for the spiritual improvement or enlightenment for urban dwellers (urban regeneration). Having studied in Tourism and Communication in France and obtained MA degree in Policy and Management in London, Ida has abundant knowledge for her next earnest efforts.
Through her interest and desire on entire aspect of culture drives her to enter the domain of art & design, artistic production, photography and ecology. Similarly, Ida is the publisher of the Brighton Arts Review and London Indonesian Newsletter. In addition, she becomes a curator of some art exhibitions since 1991 for international organizations.
Furthermore, Ida utters her desire to bring the best art and craft production of Indonesia in an exhibition held at the leading department store in England. "By doing so, Europe and England will understand that Indonesia, other than having strong tradition, also comes in modern country as others in Europe producing art products, house wares, fashion and other first-class utensils," she observes.
"So, should there be any first-class performers, art producers, craft makers having interest on this event, please do not hesitate to contact my management team at management@biasarts.org.uk or britishindoarts@btinternet.com," she tells Bali Travel News. (BTN/tar)

Marc Denton
GM of the Oberoi, Lombok

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Denton as general manager of The Oberoi, Lombok. Denton brings more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his new position.
Truly an international citizen, Denton is a native of Geneva, Switzerland, and holds both Swiss and British citizenship. A graduate of the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, Denton gained his first experiences in hotel management in the food & beverage field with positions in Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Canada and Thailand. He has held resident manager positions at the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa in French Polynesia and most recently at the Beau Rivage in Mauritius. This is Denton’s first position with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.
"I am delighted to join the team at The Oberoi, Lombok," said Marc Denton, general manager. "Having worked all over the world, I am excited about the opportunity to further awareness of Lombok in particular, as a unique tourism destination in Indonesia. Additionally, I am proud to be with such a distinguished hotel group."
The island of Lombok lies 30 miles east of Bali in Indonesia. The Oberoi, Lombok overlooks sleepy Medana Bay, neighbored only by the quiet fishing village of Tanjung. It is opposite the three Gili Islands; Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, which are world renowned for diving and snorkeling. Set in 24 acres of private landscaped grounds, this idyllic garden resort on the beach is modeled after a local village and provides a special getaway where guests can indulge in the comfort of luxurious accommodation, superb cuisine, and a caring, conscientious staff. The Oberoi, Lombok offers marble sunken baths overlooking private walled gardens in every guestroom, as well as a world-class spa, managed by Banyan Tree. (BTN/*)
Dian Hadiani

Janice L. Mantjika
Picked Up Guests While Carrying Her Baby

Since the 1960s, the tourism industry in Bali experienced evolution till it grew into a complex and modern industry as of today. Numerous phases have been passed by in its association with the political, social, economic problems to others such as terrorism and natural disaster having an effect on the alternate rising and falling of the mainstay industry of Balinese community. All of these phases have been experienced by Janice L. Mantjika, Managing Director of Jan’s Tours.
As one of the trailblazers in the travel agent business in Bali, Janice has undergone the joy and sorrow of passage of this chimneyless industry. "Around 1966-1969, I was frequently asked to accompany guests as there were limited people that could speak English. At that time, there was only one hotel namely Bali Hotel (now Inna Bali Hotel) and I was requested to pick up the guests of this hotel many times," uttered the woman who was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand, 15 June.
This charming woman, married to a Balinese man, Dewa Ngurah Made Djati Mantjika in 1962, also narrated her memorable experience during the early period of tourism in Bali. "At that time, there was not yet any official agent handling the travel of tourists as today. I used to hitch-hike the car of Nitour to the airport. Even, I sometimes picked up the guests while carrying my baby. On the way from the airport to the hotel, I offered service to guests for an excursion to some places in Bali and it was from here I started this travel business," told this mother of two sons and two daughters.
Furthermore, Janice revealed the history of the founding of her business. "Originally, I once joined with Alit Oka (later, the founder of Paradise Bali Tours) to found a travel agent, but we finally set apart to make private business in 1969 named Jan’s Tours. I borrowed some money to buy signboard, telephone and so on. In the long run, our business grows as it is today," uttered the woman that during her maiden period liked to dance ballet, tap and character.
Since she was young, Janice is an overly active woman and likes to work hard. Since her arrival in Bali in 1964, the graduate form the Queen Elizabeth College, New Zealand majoring in Business Administration was often requested to teach English as voluntary worker at some schools, universities and government institutions. Besides, she is also active in Bali International Woman’s Association (BIWA) since date of inception over periods of years, PATA Bali Chapter as membership coordinator (for two years) and other organizations.
Today, Janice wishes to fill in her beautiful days by sharing with others. Since four years ago, she serves her time as Convenor of Support Board in the YAKKUM Bali Foundation running the activity on the rehabilitation programs for physically disabled children and young adults. "I’d like to contribute my entire thought and energy to help others, particularly those of disabled without making a distinction based on tribe, race or religion," Janice told Bali Travel News.(BTN/tar)

I Made Merta, SE
Chief Accountant of Inna Grand Bali Beach

I Made Merta, SE was born on 11 October 1962, in Sanur, Bali and started his carrier in October 1983 as bookkeeper supervisor at the Accounting Department of Inna Sindhu Beach, Sanur. He got to broaden his experience at Inna Kuta Beach as Cost Controller in 1991 and received a promotion as AOM (Accounting Office Manager) in 1995. In 1997 he becomes a CA (Chief Accountant) at the same hotel. He then promoted as CA of Inna Grand Bali Beach since October 2003 up to now. With his expertise and extensive experience in Accounting, he will be a valuable contribution to the Inna Grand Bali Beach. (BTN/*)