DENPASAR ~

Association of Indonesia Travel Agency (ASITA) Bali stated that the abolition of cheap airline tickets affect the tourism industry in Bali which may reduce the number of tourists.

“It is difficult to give the percentage of its influence. But it certainly affects tourists decline,” said Chairman of Asita Bali, Ketut Ardana in Denpasar.

According to him, the traveler budget or traveler with low cost will be affected by the policy.

It certainly would give further effect to some of the hotels that provide facilities like affordable facilities.

The tourist visit both domestic and foreign tourists were also affected, though, he said, the government is also targeting tourists visit as many as 20 million people in 2019, most of whom contributed from Bali.

“This contradicts the government’s target to bring 20 million tourists by 2019,” he added.

While the island, he said, during the year 2014 has brought tourists, especially foreign tourists reached nearly 3.5 million people, an increase from the previous year reach about 3.2 million people.

On the other hand, Ardana said he did not agree when cheap tickets are abolished and is associated with flight safety factor.

He considered the low-cost airlines limits the number of services beyond the services that are often given by high-cost airlines such as eating and drinking facilities or full service.