Sanur, a beloved destination for both local and international tourists, is on the verge of another major development. Following the recent opening of Icon Mall, plans are underway to establish a new Beach Club along the picturesque shores of Sanur Beach, Denpasar, Bali. However, this ambitious project has ignited a wave of mixed reactions from various quarters. What is sparking this controversy?
While Icon Mall and the proposed Beach Club aim to boost Sanur’s appeal, they have raised concerns among those who cherish Sanur for its tranquility. The fear is that these developments might tarnish Sanur’s serene image, which has been its hallmark for decades.
Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board (BTB), has been vocal about these concerns. He believes that any new investment must align with Sanur’s unique tourist profile, which predominantly consists of visitors seeking peace and quiet, especially those aged 30 and above.
“Sanur has always been a haven for tourists looking for tranquility. Even during the pandemic, we remained a preferred destination. Sanur’s segmentation has been consistent for years and that must be preserved,” Gus Agung stated on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
He noted that while Sanur traditionally caters to an older, more serene-seeking crowd, the recent launch of Icon Mall has already started to shift this dynamic. Thus, preserving Sanur’s unique appeal is crucial.
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“It’s essential to understand that investments should respect Sanur’s existing crowd. They might have data, but from what I see, these changes haven’t significantly impacted the local community yet. Introducing a different crowd could alter the landscape and potentially harm other businesses in Sanur,” he added.
Moreover, Gus Agung highlighted the potential negative impacts of poorly planned developments, such as increased traffic congestion, which has already become a problem since the mall’s opening.
“Traffic management needs to be addressed. Without it, congestion could become a significant negative impact,” he warned.
Sanur has a loyal and steadfast tourist base, and drastic changes could disrupt this dynamic, risking the loss of Sanur’s primary tourist base. “The tourists in Sanur are those who want nostalgia and tranquility. The presence of new malls and Beach Clubs might attract a younger crowd who come for the hype and then leave. This needs serious consideration,” he emphasized.
Partha Adnyana also stressed the importance of meticulous planning and management to ensure that these new developments do not negatively impact the community and environment.
“If they are smart about branding, they must manage traffic well to avoid congestion. It’s crucial to align with Sanur’s existing character,” he said.
In his view, developments like the Beach Club should be tailored to maintain Sanur’s calm and peaceful ambiance. “Perhaps it should be smaller and more serene, like a high-end lounge. We can look at positive examples that are not too noisy but still offer a contemporary experience,” he concluded.
The anticipation of this new Beach Club is palpable, but as the plans move forward, balancing development with Sanur’s cherished tranquility will be key to ensuring it remains a beloved destination for all.
