Voyage Vistas

Indonesian officials are in the process of drafting new regulations to better manage the growing tourism industry in Bali . Local businesses in the tourism sector are also looking into international approaches to mitigate the risks associated with overtourism . South Bali is approaching a critical point with rising visitor numbers, similar to other popular destinations around the world . These destinations provide valuable insights for Bali’s situation. In Belgium, the city of Bruges has recently introduced measures to control short-term vacation rentals within its historic district . Furthermore, the city has put a halt to new hotel projects. These steps are intended to manage the increasing influx of tourists and prevent future complications. In 2023, Bruges attracted over 8.2 million tourists, even though its population is only 120,000. Bali is facing a comparable situation with a steady increase in tourist numbers. Addressing Common Concerns Bruges’ Mayor, Dirk De Fauw, exp

At least 13 international airlines have expressed interest in launching direct flights to Bali. These planned routes include connections from major countries such as China, Russia, Japan, India, and the United States. However, the proposals are still under consideration . Handy Heryudhitiawan, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali Airport, mentioned that airlines have requested time slots for regular flights. While some have made submissions, they have yet to initiate services. For the 2023 dry season, several airlines that secured slots last year are still absent from the market. “T hey must reapply for approval, including schedules and aircraft type, ” Handy said. The airport is waiting for further confirmation of their plans. Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of Bali’s Provincial Tourism Office, noted that out of the 13 proposed airlines , three or four are from China. Before the pandemic, Bali had direct flights from 15 Chinese cities, but none are operational at present . Pemay

The 2024 Africa-Indonesia Forum concluded in Bali, bringing together key officials and experts. They exchanged ideas on tourism, agriculture, trade, and industry. A central focus for Bali's tourism industry was Africa's successful conservation tourism models . Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, emphasized the significance of these African initiatives. He explained how African countries turned cultural heritage into both tourist attractions and conservation projects. For example, Algeria has more Roman ruins than Italy. Meanwhile, 30% of Tanzania’s economy comes from wildlife tourism. Throughout the forum, participants often compared Zanzibar, a Tanzanian island, to Bali. Although some mistakenly called Zanzibar a country, it shares several similarities with Bali. Both face the challenge of balancing tourism growth with environmental and cultural preservation. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia's Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investme

Stereotypes are deeply ingrained in society, often shaping our perceptions and judgments of others. Merriam-Webster (2009) defines a stereotype as " a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment ." These perceptions can be both favorable and unfavorable for tattoos , influenced by historical, cultural, and societal factors. Positive Perceptions of Tattoos In modern society, tattoos are increasingly seen as a form of personal expression and artistry. In Bali, where the tattoo culture is rich and diverse, tattoos are often viewed positively as symbols of creativity and individuality. A tattoo in Bali can represent anything from a significant personal event to an artistic expression, and many choose to get inked as a way to narrate their story or showcase their unique identity. Others may seek tattoos to enhance their desired body aesthetic. Bali's tat