Bali tourism receives further awareness boost as LBHRC wins second major Australian travel industry accolade
(15 January 2007)

The Little Bali Hotel & Resort Company (LBHRC) has been named as one of the top 50 Australian travel industry news stories for 2006 by the prestigious ‘Travel Weekly’ (formerly Traveltrade) magazine.

In addition to being named one of the top 50 news stories, LHBRC also earned the accolade of ‘Most innovative idea’ for 2006.

LBHRC beat stiff competition from four other companies including Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic, the massive Harvey World Travel retail chain, the start of Australia’s first dedicated gay cruise operation and the launch of the consumer oriented Webjet online ‘Planit’ self-booking concept.

The ‘Travel Weekly’ accolade further builds on the ‘Golden Mole Award’ presented to LHBRC by on-line industry newsletter Travel Mole in late November which was in fact the first time the award has ever been presented.

LBHRC co-founders Brett Morgan and Mike Parker-Brown said they were delighted the LBHRC campaign, spearheaded by the 'Where the Bali hell are you?' viral marketing concept, was continuing to attract so much attention.

But they both agreed Bali still has a long road to travel before anyone can say the destination has fully recovered.

“The campaign seems to have had, initially, the desired effect in helping to kick-start a resurgence of interest in Bali in Australia, the destination’s biggest source market, and the exceptional travel opportunities this wonderfully multi-faceted destination offers to all travellers - irrespective of taste or budget,” Mr Morgan said.

“Perhaps the biggest impact LBHRC achieved to date has been the part it played in convincing Garuda Indonesia to retain its direct Australia—Denpasar services.

“While we are very honoured to have received these awards and accolades, we would prefer that the focal point remains on reinstating Bali in its rightful place as one of Australia’s – and the world’s - premier overseas holiday destinations.