Accor has said it expects the lifting of UK Travel Advisories to boost business to Bali as the island tourism industry continues its strong fight back. Direct foreign tourist arrivals to Bali topped 648,000 for the first six months of 2004, equal to pre-October 2002 levels. International arrivals for June 2004 exceeded 131,000, the best single month performance since 1998.

Accor Director of Operations - Indonesia, Gerard Guillouet, said 2004 could be one of Bali’s best ever for international arrivals.

“We are seeing increased demand from Australia, arrivals are back to levels not seen since before October 2002. Demand from the UK remains strong, and arrivals continued to grow even when the travel advisories were in effect.

“Lifting the travel advisories, however, is a very good sign for Bali. It shows public and government perception is returning to normal. Accor expects strong demand for Bali to continue for the rest of 2004, and the new resort openings shows the long-term confidence and commitment Accor has in Bali’s resilient tourism sector.”

As business continues to improve, Accor’s pre-eminent Bali presence gives it a unique advantage. It is the only single destination in Asia where all major Accor hotel brands, Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure and Ibis, are present.

Three Accor resorts are scheduled to open late this year and early 2005.

Accor’s prestigious Sofitel brand arrives on Bali with the official opening of the Sofitel Seminyak Bali on 1 September. The opening follows the completion of a major refurbishment programme to all guest rooms and key public areas. Sofitel Seminyak Bali is located within walking distance to Seminyak’s lively cafes, dining and upmarket shops.

Mercure Resort Sanur - Bali will reopen for business late 2004 after its most extensive renovation ever, making it one of the finest internationally managed hotels in Bali’s popular Sanur beach area. The hotel is tucked into a serene and peaceful corner of Sanur and is located close to Ubud’s cultural and art centre, Bangli and its rice fields and other popular attractions around the island.

Accor’s economy hotel brand, Ibis will debut on Bali in early 2005 with the opening of Ibis Legian Bali. Accor’s first Ibis in an Asian resort destination enjoys a prime location between the popular Kuta and Seminyak shopping and entertainment areas and is only a short five-minute walk to the beach. Rates will average around US$25 a night once the current US$2 million renovation is completed.

These hotels will join two other resorts under Accor management including the 192-room Novotel Benoa Bali nestled on the fringe of Nusa Dua, and the 130-room Mercure Kuta Bali in the heart of Kuta beach.

By the end of 2004 Accor will manage 32 hotels around the country, making it the largest international hotel management company currently operating in Indonesia.
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