Bali, August 11, 2024, The Europe Today: According to a report by News Hub Consultants, the Indonesian Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has expressed confidence that the ongoing development of the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub (BMTH) will significantly bolster the national economy. During a site visit to Benoa Port in Bali on Saturday, the minister highlighted the positive and substantial progress of the project.
“I observed that the BMTH development is advancing positively and significantly. I am hopeful that the infrastructure development will proceed according to plan and will soon be fully operational,” Sumadi stated.
He emphasized that the completion of the BMTH will enhance Bali’s tourism ecosystem and increase the influx of both foreign and domestic tourists to Benoa Port. Sumadi also expressed hope that the hub would attract more foreign tourists, particularly those arriving on cruise ships navigating Bali’s waters.
In 2023, Benoa Port welcomed 48 cruise ships, bringing in over 77,000 passengers. The minister is optimistic that this number will rise further with the ongoing development at the port.
Sumadi noted that the BMTH development is already having a noticeable impact on the operations at Benoa Port, with several large cruise ships, exceeding 300 meters in length, beginning to dock there. He added that the port is expected to become a home port for several international cruise ships once the BMTH development is completed.
The Bali Maritime Tourism Hub is one of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects (PSNs), aimed at transforming Benoa Port into a key maritime tourism hub. The BMTH is designed to integrate the tourism, port, and entertainment sectors, creating a multiplier effect that will drive economic growth. Additionally, as part of the nation’s marine tourism initiative, the BMTH will connect domestic and international tourism routes.
