Bintan resorts seek competitive edge

Luxury resorts in the Lagoi International Tourist Area (KPIL) on Bintan Island in the Riau Islands province are looking to lower their costs to remain competitive.

Bintan Lagoon Resort (BLR), one of the largest resorts in the area, recently built a new boarding house for its employees to save money.

KPIL, an integrated tourist zone established by the Indonesian and Singaporean governments, has been operating since 1996.

There are five resorts with five-star ratings in the area, which spans 23,000 hectares over three districts.

Infrastructure in the area, including roads, water, electricity and housing, is the responsibility of the BRC.

Based on data from the Riau Islands Tourism and Culture Office, some 30,000 foreign visitors holiday in the area monthly. Most of these people are Singaporeans.

Many domestic visitors view the area as being too exclusive and more expensive than other tourist destinations in the country.