Denpasar (BisnisBali) – Bali's tourism will not forbid anyone, including the Israeli delegation participating in the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting to come to Bali if they come in peace.

"We welcome anyone as long as they come with peaceful purposes, not destructive or criminal activity," Al Purwa, chairman of the Bali chapter of the Association of Indonesian Tour & Travel Agencies (Asita), said recently.

Purwa made the remark in response to objections raised by certain parties in Indonesia to the possible arrival of Israel's delegation to the IPU conference to take place in the resort island from April 29 to May 4, 2007.

According to Purwa, Indonesia, particularly Bali as an international tourist destination now is still facing difficulties to attract foreign visitors in order to revive tourism business following the bombing incidents in 2002 in the province.

Thus, the Israeli parliamentary delegates who would represent their country should be welcomed accordingly.

"They are legal representatives of a recognized country as proven by its IPU membership. And therefore, there is no reason for the Bali tourism to reject them," he said.

However, he did not want his remark to be misconstrued. "I speak from the tourism point of view, and thus it should not be related to other aspects. We are in need of many visitors to revive our tourism industry," he said.

He further said, according to good ethical norms, a host must welcome his guests, especially if the guest is officially representing a country.

A good welcome was expected to help developing the tourism image of Indonesia, particularly Bali, in the eyes of the international community, he said.

"The arrival of representatives from more than a hundred countries will of course be able to invite more foreign tourists to Bali," he said, adding, "Don't relate the tourism sector with other aspects, much less with politics. *pwt/ant

TOURISM - Bali as an international tourist destination now is still facing difficulties to attract foreign visitors in order to revive tourism business following the bombing incidents in 2002 in the province.