Despite reports that the litter on Bali’s beaches is worsening, South African tour operators say travellers are not being put off travelling to the country.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, the ‘Trash Season’ as it is known to locals, usually occurs between December and March each year. Monsoon winds and rain are said to be the cause of mounds of plastic bags and other waste material littering the beaches that stretch from Uluwatu in the south through Kuta and Seminyak, to Canggu in the north.
The newspaper describes this area as being the island’s ‘busiest tourist strip’. Locals, surfers and business operators are reportedly saying that this year it was worse than ever and that it seems to be getting worse each year. A local surfer says he is disgusted by swimming and surfing through rubbish that “often includes nappies, dead animals, syringes and tons of plastic”.
Flora Fubbs, product manager of The Holiday Factory says it doesn’t appear to be a big issue in the marketplace as the tour operator has never been asked about it by any agents or their clients. Because the situation is seasonal and dependent on tidal conditions, she says it is difficult to advise clients about it.
“What I am certain of is that the resort hotels ensure their beach is clear and clients would really only experience this ‘trash’ situation on public beaches,” adds Flora.
Travel Vision, says sales and marketing manager, Sarah Whiteside, has also not received any complaints from clients. “We predominantly sell properties near Nusa Dua, which is known for its upmarket resorts and it is possible that better care is taken of these beaches than elsewhere.”
Club Med declined to comment on whether or not its resort was being affected.
