Travel Agent - November 12, 2007 - (Page 35)

government’s upcoming “Visit Indonesia Year 2008” campaign. Throughout the year, the country will stage 100 events and cultural festivals. It’s hoped that the campaign also will stimulate improvements to the country’s tourism infrastructure. At September’s PATA Travel Mart 2007, held in Bali’s Nusa Dua area, Emirsyah Satar, president and CEO of Garuda Indonesia, noted that the airline is looking at possibilities on the West Coast of the U.S.—most likely Los Angeles or San Francisco. While Bali’s strongest markets in the U.S. are dive and surfing, there are numerous opportunities for the upscale leisure traveler. Resorts such as the Four Seasons and COMO Sham- bhala Estate provide top-flight service away from crowded tourist centers. Three Hotels to Pitch The most difficult times to book rooms in Bali are from July 21 to August 20 and December 27 to January 4. Reserve three months ahead during these peak periods, and at least 30 days ahead the rest of the year. Nusa Dua is a beachfront gated enclave with a selection of large tourist hotels, shops, restaurants and a championship golf course. It’s also the site of the country’s major conference center, which is at the Westin Resort Nusa Dua (www.westin.com/bali). This makes the 355-room resort an excellent choice for those attending a trade event at the conference center. An added plus: It’s only six miles from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Given their proximity to the beach, the most requested premium accommodations at the Westin are the Ocean View Suites with private pool. But the 28 Royal Beach Club rooms and 20 suites constitute the premier categories. These are in a separate wing and offer a higher level of personal service and preferential treatment, including complimentary airport transfers and swift registration in the Royal Beach Club Lounge. The club staff also provides CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 LEFT: “Cocoons” on the beach at the Westin Resort Nusa Dua BELOW: Master suite in the Forest Residence at the COMO Shambhala Estate AGENTADVICE “The first thing to keep in mind about Bali is that it’s composed of three distinct areas,” says Pallavi Shah, chairperson of New York City-based Our Personal Guest. “It’s worth doing all three—Bali is not a one-hotel destination.” Shah suggests that visitors first stay in the southern part of the island at one of the beach resorts. “Your clients will be tired after their long flight, and this area is relatively close to the airport,” says Shah. For security reasons, she recommends booking clients into hotels that are somewhat secluded, such as the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, and avoiding the more touristy areas of Kuta and Seminyak. The Ubud region, located inland, almost in the center of the island, has great shopping, a wide selection of hotels and nightly performances of Balinese traditional dance and music. The third region is the northeastern part of the island, which is less developed. “They’ll have opportunities for sightseeing and experiencing the real village life of Bali,” says Shah. “Think of Bali as a totally different country than Indonesia,” says Shah. She notes that it’s easier than ever to fly to Bali, with flights from the U.S. via Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore that don’t make a stop in Jakarta. November 12, 2007 TravelAgent | 35 http://www.westin.com/bali

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Travel Agent - November 12, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: Berlin Has a Vibrant Arts Scene Central & South America: Iberostar Grand Amazon: Adventure, but with Upscale Cruise Comforts Culinary Tours in Argentina and Peru Belize Eco-Lodge Packages Pacific/Asia: Bali Awaits Discovery by U.S. Tourists Las Vegas: Three Days in Vegas for Baby Boomers Caribbean & Bahamas: CTO’s Chairman Sees Growth in the Market Dominica’s New Tourism Director Discusses Challenges and Opportunities for His Island St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Where Less is More St. Maarten as a Destination for Foodies Tours: Sunshine and Disney are Just Two of Florida’s Options Cruises: Theme Cruises Generate Demand and Revenue Oceania’s Sales and Fleet are Growing Cruise Deals Cover Story: The New Wave Supplier Profile: Viking River Cruises Launches Land-Only Tour Operation Air Lift: Sabre Takes UpSell to the Skies A Tough Season Ahead: Rising Rates and Demand Give Hotels Edge in Price Negotiating Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Caribbean Tourism Conference Cruise and Hotel News Trends In U.S. Travel to France Disneyland Upgrade Travel Week In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - November 12, 2007

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