Bali Volcano: Tourists continue to flock to Bali in spite of eruption warnings

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More Chinese tourists visit Bali than any other tourist group. Locals fear that eruption warnings for the island's tallest mountain could hurt industry growth. But as CGTN's Silkina Ahluwalia reports, it's business as usual at the island's crowded tourist spots.

Bali's bright blue skies and white sandy beaches draws millions from around the globe, particularly tourists from China. The Indonesian Tourism Ministry recorded a 60 percent increase of Chinese tourists to the island of Bali, from the year before.

SILKINA AHLUWALIA BALI, INDONESIA "As Mount Agung threatens to erupt, places near the crater are deserted. But here, in the busy tourist hub of Legian, the atmosphere is very different. "

An eruption could temporarily disrupt air travel but Transport Minister, Budi Karya, has assured foreign visitors that the island is still safe despite Mount Agung's increasing volcanic activity.

BUDI KARYA INDONESIAN TRANSPORT MINISTER "We have many plans to serve if there is a problem. Plan A we move from Ngurah Rai airport to Banyuwangi. Plan B, we go to Lombok. Plan C, we go to Surabaya. And also we serve 10 airports to replace the Ngurah Rai to take care if the plane from your country come to Indonesia."

Bali's main business is travel and tourism. The island relies heavily on the industry for its developments. Indonesia welcomed 12 million tourists into the country last year with nearly 4 million visiting Bali.

KETUT PERDANA, CHAIRMAN BALI TOURISM BOARD "Bali is a very popular holiday destination. There are so many direct flights from China and there are so many charter flights from China to Bali and that's why the number is increasing now from time to time."

As China's Golden Week approaches, Ketut says more than 150 travel groups from China enter Bali everyday contributing immensely to the island's economic growth. Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Bali, Indonesia.