JAKARTA— Benoa Port in Bali won the Best Port Welcome Cruise Insight 2013 Award in Miami, US.
Since becoming turnaround port in 2012, visit by cruise ships increased significantly. In 2013, 41 ships visited the port, transporting an estimated 39,105 tourists from all over the world.
In 2013, vessel visit rose by 0.9% from that in 2012 at 35 vessels with an estimated 27,253 tourists.
With such increase in number of tourist and cruise ship, Benoa port as the main cruise port in Bali, highlights Balinese culture by featuring dances and gamelan players to welcome tourists.
“Distinguished welcome for tourists with Balinese traditional dances is our innovation, cooperating with cruise ship agents to present friendly and comfortable impression,” said General Manager Capt. Ali Sodikin, as quoted from an official statement, Saturday (3/22).
Benoa Port attracts cruise ship operators due to potential tourism destinations in Bali. “Friendly and good welcome which highlights Balinese culture is expected to affect positively on tourists to re-visit Bali using cruise ship.”
