The lead story in this week’s paper, revealing details of what is said to be the largest event to ever be held on this island, is a major step forward for Bali on the world stage.

We applaud the Olympic Council of Asia for its no-bid decision to stage the first Asian Beach Games at locations around Bali in October next year. As officials told this newspaper earlier in the week, the choice was designed to provide a boost to the globally renowned island that has been bouncing back from troubled times.

The Games are a truly important event – some 10,000 people are expected and proceedings will be beamed around the 45 participating countries, the organizers say. Therefore, this will be a rare opportunity for the authorities here to showcase the island to an international audience, and early signs are that officials are indeed taking note.

With foreign investment dollars continuing to pour into Bali, and visitor numbers at record highs, the momentum for a bright future for this tiny island is growing by the month.