DENPASAR, Bali, 4 October 2019: Bali Hotels Association disputes recent media reports that claimed the island suffered massive cancellations blamed on a proposed ‘adultery bill’.
The trade association claimed it had conducted a survey of 157 member hotels in Bali that suggested travellers were not cancelling holiday bookings.
Australian media, last week said travellers were cancelling their bookings to Bali due to fears legislation nicknamed the “bonking bill” would target unmarried couples.
The proposed adultery bill has been roundly criticised by the country’s tourism industry forcing the national government to shelve the legislation.
But the news caused some cancellations with the Bali Hotels Association saying “bonking ban” stories had contributed to 6% cancellations.
But the cancellations it argued could have been caused by other factors. It cited the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook in the UK and Europe as well as an online travel agency.
Bali Hotels Association said the island tourism was going about its business as usual.
The initial Bali Government statement released 23 September 2019 stated: “The recommendation of the full regulation, including what is commonly mentioned as the “Adultery Act” is still a recommendation and has not yet formally issued and cannot be enforced.
“The Bali Government office encourages all parties involved in tourism (persons visiting or planning to visit, as well as industry stakeholders) to stay calm and continue their activities (or planned activities) as usual.”
