"Best Port Welcome" Awarded to Bali's Benoa Port

DENPASAR, KOMPAS.com - PT Pelabuhan Indonesia III, Benoa branch, Bali, has received a "Best Port Welcome 2010" award from "Dream World Cruise Destination" magazine which is based in London, a spokesman said.

The magazine had presented the award to a representative of Indonesia’s tourism and culture ministry, Sapta Nirwandar, at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention 2011 that was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Florida, on March 16, 2011, said Iwan Sabatini,general manager of PT Pelabuahan Indonesia III’s Benoa branch, said here Monday.

"We are grateful we have received the award as the best port. the award will be a motivation to further improve services at the largest sea port on the island ," Iwan said.

He added, the awards was evidence that Benoa port had already gained international trust and met world standards as port of call for cruise ships.

"We always provide international standard services to cruise ships which anchor at Benoa port," Iwan said.

Iwan said, to increase tourist visits to Bali by cruise ships, the company was continuing to improve the facilities and infrastructures at the port.

"We are gradually improving the facilities and infrastructure supporting the pier, so the service will be better in welcoming the cruise ships’ arrivals in Bali," Iwan added.

He noted, according to a schedule obtained from the various cruise ship companies abroad, at least 140 cruise ships in 2011 will visit Indonesia.

"We are targeting 40 units of the number of cruise ship visits to Indonesia will stop in Benoa port," Iwan hoped.