DENPASAR ~

Charity and Fireworks marked the closing of the 17th of Nusa Dua Fiesta (NDF) that was held for five days. Governor Bali Made Mangku Pastika represented by Head of Bali’s Tourism Department A.A Gde Yuniartha Putra closed NDF by stuck Kayon, a mountain-shaped puppet, and then followed with fireworks party, on Friday.

The closing ceremony was begun with a charity by giving donation for home renovation to two residents of Badung Regency and one resident of Karangasem regency.

Bali Governor on his speech red by Head of Bali’s Tourism Department proposed his appreciation towards Nusa Dua Fiesta 2014.

“NDF shows a very important role in taking part to develop Bali’s Tourism, especially to promote Nusa Dua area,” the Governor said.

Meanwhile Director of Indonesia Tourism Development Cooperation (ITDC) said that Nusa Dua Fiesta is the form of ITDC’s commitment to to promote and increase tourists’ visit to Nusa Dua.

“Besides, Nusa Dua Fiesta also becomes our commitment in promoting tourism in Bali and also in Indonesia,” he said on a speech represented by I Nyoman Cakra, Operational Director of ITDC.

Some awards were also presented at the closing ceremony, especially for competitions that were held during Nusa Dua Fiesta 2014.

Such as the winner for Balinese Bumbu Gede Competition, Live cooking Duck Betutu competition, Live cooking Balinese Mebat, The Best Hotel’s stand, The best general stand, and the best hotel parade.

Committee Chairman of 17th NDF 2014 Ida Bagus Abdhi stated that the NDF activities running smoothly. Almost all of the programs that have been designed can be carried out successfully.

“We express our gratitude and thanks to all parties involved in the NDF 2014 because without their support this annual event would not be as vibrant as it is now,” he said.

He stated that the number of visitors of NDF, with the theme “Love, Peace and Harmony” was increased significantly compared to the same event the previous year.

“This year we expect 40,000 visitors from the local community, tourists and foreigners. In 2013 the number of visitors to the NDF approximately around 35,000 people. “ he said.

According to him, one of the focuses in this year’s NDF is to promote Sports Tourism.

Bali as a sport tourism began to appear. In a variety of activities that have been designed has shown the results.

It is estimated that athletes involved in NDF’s Sports Week was about 3,700 athletes from Asia-Pacific, Australia and Korea.

The event was also celebrated with a variety of arts and cultural activities, including the performance of Indonesian Music Expo (IMEX).

Likewise, the exhibition of a number of districts and provinces in Indonesia, those are, Samosir regency, South Konawe, Aceh, Badung regency and Yogyakarta.