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CLARIFICATION ON HOTELS IN BALI PORTRAYED IN NEWS AS TRASHED, WRECKED AND DESERTED

Bali Hotels Association would like to take this opportunity to respond to, and clarify details which appeared in a story aired by Channel 9 News Australia’s  A Current Affair (ACA) presented by Tracy Grimshaw and shared on 10th November 2020 via social media . The story showed a hotel in the Legian area that was portrayed as trashed, wrecked and deserted. The news was also implying that all hotels are like this in Bali and that the island is worn and torn. Which is far from the truth. 

This type of misleading news has the potential to create a negative image towards the destination, thus we would like to ensure what has been reported and portrayed in the news circulated on social media from ACA program by Channel 9 Australia is based on facts and not assumptions made by the presenter and some of those interviewed. 

Based on the information received by BHA, the hotel, which is not a Bali Hotels Association member, portrayed in the news has been closed due a change in owners and undergoing renovation in some parts of the hotel area at the moment and is scheduled to be re-opened in 2021.  

Like any other countries which are also affected by the pandemic, our central and local government is assisting the hospitality industry by granting funds which will be used to continue operating their business and paying their employee salaries. There are a strict guidelines and full transparent administration procedures that each company has to follow to make sure that the grants allocated are used for what they were intended for. 

It has been a difficult time for all of us in the tourism industry all over the world, and Bali, is not much different. Our membership of over 150 hotels and resorts in Bali, provides us with a very solid overview of what is happening here in Bali. 

Bali Hotels Association continues to ensure its 157 member hotels and resorts are kept informed and are supporting the Indonesian Government policies as well as local government initiatives in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  

All tourism stakeholders are encouraged to complete the local and national CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety & Environmental sustainability) certification requirements by Indonesian Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy and the Indonesian Health Ministry. 
Bali Hotels Association now have close to 100 member hotels and resorts that have officially completed the verification or in the process of the verfiication process. 

Bali Hotels Association also recently launched “Bali, A New Kind Of Adventure” a series of six, one-minute videos to support Bali and showcase Bali under the new health protocols. Each video provides links to information on the Bali Hotels Association website where viewers can gain access to the latest information provided by international organizations such as  World Health Organisation (WHO) and United National World Travel Organisation (UNWTO) as well as Indonesian Government sites such the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and The Tourism Agency and Creative Economy ( Link )   The information provided covers travel restrictions, public health and safety measures such as physical distancing, wearing of facemasks, and other useful information that will allow visitors to Bali to make responsible and well-informed decisions on how to minimize risks related to Coronavirus while planning their holiday and travels.

The key message is for travelers to enjoy Bali, travel responsibly and take in the Balinese culture and hospitality on each day of their adventures, in a way that will emotionally resonate with them. Bali Hotels Association also wants to show that Bali offers more than just the parties and late nights, as there are also uniquely beautiful parts of the island that the couple captures while experiencing this new kind of adventure.

About Bali Hotels Association
Bali Hotels Association (BHA) is a professional group of star rated hotels and resorts in Bali. Members include General Managers from 157 hotels and resorts in Bali that represent more than 27,148 hotel rooms and almost 35,849…