DENPASAR ~ Bali’s economy and tourism industry is almost back to normal after recent setbacks, Bali Tourism Board chairman Bagus Sudibya said this week.

“Bali is (just) 18 percent behind the normal situation and … hopefully we will completely recover next year,” he said.

Stringent measures undertaken by the authorities had led to an increase in tourist confidence, evidenced by rising numbers of foreign vacationers arriving here, he said.

Governor Dewa Beratha had ordered all hotels on the island to beef up their security, particularly by hiring additional security guards, said Sudibya.

In addition, the management of tourist attractions and public areas had been instructed to install closed-circuit television cameras to monitor the public, including shops and restaurants.

Data from the governor’s office showed tourist arrivals had jumped to 650 per day from a previous low of just 200, Deputy Governor Alit Kesuma Kelakan said separately.

Sudibya, meanwhile, added that foreigners’ perception of Southeast Asia as a tourist destination, particularly Bali, was that it was a safe and security place to visit.