DENPASAR, Bali: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia ended his eight-day vacation in Bali on Sunday, March 12. How much did the monarch and his entourage of 1,500 spend on the island?
The court, including 25 princes and 14 ministers, booked a number of luxurious hotels such as the St. Regis Bali Resort, the Mulia Resort & Villas Nusa Dua, the Hilton Bali Resort, the Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua, and the Hotel Bvlgari Resort in Uluwatu, a place which is well-known for its Hindu sea temple.
The vacation was extended for three days.
Bali authorities said the Saudi monarch left the island with 16.6 tonnes of baggage, including reportedly more than 6 tonnes of local purchases.
"We estimate that Rp 300 billion (RM100.15 million) was spent during their holiday," Bali Tourism Agency head Anak Agung Gede Yuniartha said on Monday.
The amount includes hotel rooms, renting luxurious cars, visits to tourist spots and shopping, he added.
"We've seen a very positive economic impact from the King's visit. He bought lots of traditional Balinese handicrafts," Bali Tourism Agency head Anak Agung Gede Yuniartha said.
Many local spas and restaurants had revamped their premises in anticipation of the royal visit. JAKARTA GLOBE
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