Extreme weather brought on by the arrival of tropical cyclone Narelle in nearby West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has lead local operators to cancel a host of water sports activities in Bali. Yos WK Amerta, the chairman of Water Sports Business Association (Gahawisri), told Bali Daily on Friday that heavy rains, high waves and strong winds have prevented visitors from indulging in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, rafting, surfing and fishing. “Water sports activities are heavily reliant on weather conditions.
We have to accurately calculate the weather to ensure the safety of our clients,” Amerta said. Recent foul weather has had a negative impact on local water sports businesses, as the association’s members has had to sacrifice profits for safety, he said. “Safety is our No. 1 priority. Business can come later, if the weather gets better.” Water sports are highly risky outdoor activities that must be conducted while adhering to international standard safety measures, according to the association.
Amerta said local operators would take no chances, even though some diving spots, such as Tulamben in Karangasem regency, were still considered safe places during the island’s rainy season. “However, the present weather, with its strong winds and high waves, will pose serious problems for both divers and instructors. We really don’t want to take a risk,” he added. Many guests have cancelled their planned water sports programs over the last few days, he said.
“They were absolved of any cancellation fees because of natural conditions,” he said. Normally, water sports companies charge a 25 percent cancellation fee to any guest for a cancellation. Gahawisri also regularly monitors the weather forecast issued by the local weather station of the Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) Agency, he said. From a business perspective, water sports operators can survive with good weather for 80 percent of the year.
Bali is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The island has a host of natural underwater wonders, pristine beaches and strong-current rivers. Kuta, Padang-Padang Beach, Dreamland and Medewi are surfing havens renown both locally and internationally, while Tulamben, Pemuteran, Nusa Dua, Nusa Lembingan, Menjangan Island and Padang Bai praised by diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Firmansyah Rahim, the director general for tourist destination development at the Tourism and Creative Economy, earlier said in Nusa Dua that Bali would be aggressively developed as a centers for marine and water sports; meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) travel, and as a spa and wellness destinations. “Our main job is to improve tourist packaging and promotional activities in the world tourism market,” Firmansyah said.
source : bali daily
source : bali daily
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