Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - The seaport operator, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) III, of the Bali provincial chapter of Benoa, has set a target to welcome 58 cruise ships during 2014, the companys official stated.

"The potential of tourist visits via cruise ships to Bali, especially through the Benoa seaport, is still high. We have made the required preparations (for the tourist comings)," noted Pelindo III Benoa General Manager Ali Sodikin, here on Tuesday.

The 2014 target of cruise ship arrivals is higher as compared to its 2013 target of 38 cruise ships, Ali remarked, noting the fact that 41 cruise ships visited Bali during 2013, which surpassed the target.

"In 2013, the number of tourists who come to Bali in the 41 cruise ships totaled about 39 thousand," he claimed.

More number of tourists visited Bali by cruise ships and this should be optimally handled, Ali pointed out.

In an effort to offer improved services to the foreign tourists, Ali emphasized that his office is working in tandem with the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, including an increase in the activities to promote Indonesian tourism abroad.

Apart from that, Pelindo III has also coordinated with the Transportation Ministry in a bid to prepare ship lanes for the cruise ships, Ali added.

Reporting by I Komang Suparta

(B003/INE)

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