Nikko Bali wooing those willing to pay top dollar

NIKKO Bali Resort and Spa, a five-star resort in Nusa Dua, Bali, said its revenue is set to rise 30 per cent to US$17 million (RM60 million) this year, fuelled by higher room rates.

The resort, wholly owned by Indonesia's PT Caterison Sukses, raised its room rates by 40 per cent last year, said general manager Jean-Charles Le Coz.

"What we try to do is sell the highest room rates. We are targeting markets like Japan, South Korea, Russia, Indonesia and Europe that are ready to accept the higher rates," Le Coz told Business Times in an interview in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Nikko Bali has 389 rooms with garden, ocean and pool views, with rates ranging from US$160 (RM564.8) per night for a standard room to US$2,000 (RM7,060) per night for the Presidential Suite.
Le Coz said despite the global economic downturn, the hotel and other properties in Bali have enjoyed brisk sales in 2008 and expect the trend to continue.

He attributed the good performance to travel operators promoting Bali together as a holiday destination and reacting to the crisis with positive news releases.

"The last three months have been good for us. We had 80 per cent occupancy. We hope to close the year with an average occupancy of 70 per cent, similar to 2008's.

"Bali is no doubt one of the best island resorts in the world. What is really interesting for Bali is that on a small surface, it offers variety," Le Coz said.

Malaysia currently represents a small market for Nikko Bali, but Le Coz said it is reaching out.

"We have been successful with the Indonesians and their need to come to Bali is not far off from Malaysians. So, I believe there is big potential for growth here. We are targeting families and couples," he said.

Nikko Bali also aims to promote itself to the meeting, incentive convention and exhibition (MICE) market and sees opportunities in tapping the Asia-Pacific region, including Malaysia.

"The MICE market is something we have been growing in the last few years. The bulk of revenue from MICE is from Indonesia. But we think there is potential (to grow our MICE business) in Malaysia," Le Coz said.

Nikko Bali is 25 minutes drive away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport and five minutes to an 18-hole golf course and a shopping district. News from btimes.com.my

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