Bali hopes tourism trade will rise from volcanic ashes

Ash from Mt Raung caused chaos for tourists as airports were closed and flights cancelled, losing Bali millions in the peak season. Photo / Thinkstock

The volcanic drama responsible for a grim start to Bali's peak tourist season could also be the key to its recovery.

Throughout July, unpredictable ash clouds from Mount Raung have intermittently halted inbound flights, as well as the outbound flights of thousands of Australian and other tourists.

Bali Tourism Board chairman Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya says the economic loss won't be realised until airport arrivals are tallied next month.

In the meantime, one idea proposed for the industry's recovery is to pitch Indonesia's volcanoes as unique tourist destinations. "We want to promote the fact that volcanoes don't always mean danger," Wijaya said.

"We can enjoy volcanoes in several places. Indonesia is a more exotic place because of its volcanoes."

An ash cloud hovering around Denpasar airport was still creating delays for Virgin Australia and Jetstar passengers yesterday.

While the drama dented the budgets of tourists, the loss to Bali's economy will be enormous.

Ngurah Rai Airport - which was forced to close down entirely on some days due to the ash - usually sees around 10,000 daily arrivals during the peak season.

It's a blast

Indonesia's top volcanic attractions include:
• Mount Bromo (East Java): The Bromo-Tengger-Semeru national park is famous for its moon-like landscape and two very lively volcanoes, Bromo and Semeru.
• Tangkuban Perahu (West Java): Since last erupting in 1983 it has become a popular site where tourists boil eggs in hot springs.
• Mount Batur (Bali): The summit of this still active volcano is a popular way to see the sunrise.

- AAP