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."
