Ticket Discounts Cushion Impact of Bali’s Tourism Low Season, Says Bank Indonesia
Denpasar, Bali – The Bali Representative Office of Bank Indonesia (BI) has highlighted that government-backed transportation ticket discounts of up to 30 percent have played a key role in mitigating the effects of the low tourism season in Bali. Despite the seasonal decline, business operators remain hopeful about retail sales prospects going forward.
Erwin Soeriadimadja, Head of BI Bali, explained on Saturday that a recent survey involving 100 retail businesses in Denpasar recorded a Real Sales Index (IPR) of 124.3, indicating a 6.4 percent year-on-year growth. This optimism is attributed in part to government incentives aimed at encouraging economic activity among tourists and locals.
The incentives include promotional pricing on various transportation modes, such as sea ferries and domestic flights, designed to stimulate travel during traditionally slower periods. Domestic economy-class airline tickets are receiving discounts of approximately 17 to 18 percent, while ferry port service fees are waived entirely. Ticket discounts for trains, sea transport, and toll roads can be as high as 30 percent. These measures apply during select dates from mid-March through early April to help alleviate passenger congestion.
Seasonal factors like the Ramadan fasting month and the Eid al-Fitr period have influenced travel habits, with many domestic tourists opting to return to their hometowns rather than visit Bali. Data from Angkasa Pura Airports indicates a 15 percent decline in domestic tourist arrivals during this time. Additionally, local residents tend to restrain spending in preparation for religious holidays such as Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr, further affecting retail performance.
Nevertheless, the transportation ticket discounts provide important support to local businesses by incentivizing travel and consumer activity during these slower months. BI and government authorities continue to monitor tourism and retail trends as Bali approaches the peak festive seasons later in the year.
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