Bali resorts revamp for CEI role

An overall increase in arrivals of almost 10 per cent for the first five months of this year compared to 2004, according to reports from Denpasar International Airport indicate positive growth. This is also reflected in the number of meetings and conferences being held on the island, say industry observers. The rise is consistent across the board, with mature and high-spending markets, such as Japan, Australia, the UK and the US, all supporting the positive trend. Regional markets are also contributing to the growth, with Malaysia in particular growing almost 40 per cent in the first five months of this year. Resorts and hotels are renovating and refurbishing to position themselves at the market's top end. The Sofitel Seminyak Bali is close to completing its upgrading programme, started when Accor took over management of the property early in 2004. Situated on the beachfront in Seminyak, the 137-room resort, which features 16 luxurious Balinese-style pool villas, is adding a new CEI unit. " We will open a sales office for CEI business on August 1," confirmed Sofitel Seminyak Bali general manager, Ove Sandstrom. The hotel has four function rooms, three smaller rooms and a 300-capacity ballroom.