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Bali Villa Associations? Legit or Not?
I see we now have here in Bali the Bali Villa Association and the Bali Villa Rental Association. However, neither site shows any sign of activity since 2008! Anyone have any opinions about the legitimacy of these organizations? I see there are several agency members, but curiously, none of the island's name brand agents seems to be on the lists. Is this B.S. or are these legitimate and useful trade associations?
Please give us your opinions and perhaps we will do an article on this for the site.
-The Insider
Sorry to say if the post written by the admin is very subjective and tendentious. It’s showing a definite tendency and I come to think that there is another company’s concern behind the post. From the title, it indicates that the poster/company doesn’t belong to both associations and also the poster seems to try to lead the readers for having negative impressions about BVA and BVRA. You definitely cannot judge the legitimacy of any institution/company only by seeing their pages on their websites!
To answer the issue, both organizations are apparently LEGAL. As far as I can remember, BVA and BVRA were inaugurated by Mr. Subawa, The Head of Tourism Department of Badung Regency, meaning that both organizations with their members are legally operating in Bali tourism industry, and both possess the registered tax IDs.
Once again, both organizations are legally registered in Indonesian government and established with good purposes, to help the guests choosing the right villas to stay, the right agents to deal with, the registered ones. Also, both organizations stand based on the fact that so many villas and agents operate illegally in Bali, therefore the guests would feel more secure to book through the registered agencies that stand under the registered associations, like BVA and BVRA.
I personally would like to forward this link to all BVRA and BVA members, so that they may comment on this issue. I hope everybody would have the right perceptions about BVA and BVRA. Let’s create a conducive atmosphere for all.
We are independent, just as it says in our About Us page. No hidden agenda. I will be frank though: I do find it somewhat suspicious that you accuse us of bias for merely for questioning these organizations! It seems to us someone protests too much...
But let's get past that, shall we?
Assuming you are somehow associated with these organizations, perhaps you can answer some questions for our readers:
(1) What sort of organizations are these? Trade associations? Consumer protection agencies? Government organizations? Private clubs? Other?
(2) Are these two organizations related? How? Do they serve the same purpose? If not, how do they differ?
(3) And perhaps most importantly for our readers: Is there a reason that a traveler should choose to book through one of your members rather than a non-member agency? If so, why? Do you police their behavior? Have codes of conduct? Provide consumers with recourse if the agency is out of line?
We totally support your idea to forward this to members and others. Please, do so! (And please, do not keep posting anonymously. I have up to this point published your comments in the name of fairness, but will no longer do so if you do not disclose your affiliation.)
-The Insider
I directly opened the two sites and made comparison. Seems that they didn't own by the same company. The villa database is very limited, less than 50, which I believe more than 500 in Bali. (Google shows even more than thousands). Both is not active anymore. You can read it from the article news.
I can't think of any significant advantages being the member of those association, or book a villa under their membership. In this economy situation, tourism business grow so fast, and the competition becoming harder and harder. Most villas offer high quality of services and special rates in some occasions. We as the customers get the best of it.
Well, at least that's what I think. Maybe opinion from the association member itself can provide us a different view.
its an association approved by the government and all member of each association are known by the government as a legitimate company and a excellent tax payer. I heard so many times in bali that villa owner trying to rent their villa without even paying any tax to government, that is why these associations comes in. If you are saying there no activities then certainly you are not any member of those association, you can not judge activities there are having just by the look of their website? this is clear enough that you are not in bali and doing business on a remote. how do you find that there are legal? try to look at their pages and their members page, clearly you will see that they have legitimate business address on their contact or about pages. But my question is do you? Do you provide how customer contact you? I seen on you web there is no any indication on where are your office or company is just like the rest illegal company operating in Bali.
The note above was posted anonymously. I gather the person must be associated in some way with these organizations, but maybe not...? (They do seem rather defensive!)
As for who we are (not sure the writer means us or the poster above named "Pet United"?): We are not a company and have never claimed to be. This is a fan site, provided by people who enjoy staying in villas in Bali and in an effort to help others. This is a non-commercial venture. I think this is pretty clear if you read the About Us page. As for a way to contact us, there is a contact form! (I can't speak for Pet United...)
I would note too, that we asked this question not to attack anyone but to simply raise the issue. If a responsible representative of any of these organizations would like to respond, we welcome it. (But please, don't do it anonymously! I don't think that approach gives any of us any reassurances as to your legitimacy.)
-The Insider
Bali Villa Association is a legitimate association under Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI). Since it was reinitiated in 2006, BVA has proven itself to be very proactive in partaking to stimulate Bali tourism. Actions include hosting marketing seminar conducted by Asia’s strategist Mr. Hermawan Kartajaya (partner of marketing guru Mr. Philip Kottler). This infrequently seminar has been hosted twice, both were enthusiastically partaken by tourism professionals.
Bali Villa Association has been very supportive with Badung Tourism Official (DISPARDA) and Badung Regent (Bupati Badung) in carrying on their corporate social responsibilities agenda i.e. delivering used linens and clothes to those who are in need of, cultivation of threes involving STP Nusa Dua, houses rebuilding for destitute local people etc.
Bali Villa Association has been always invited by Badung Tourism Official to partake in their tourism promotion calendar. BVA was included in their tradeshows i.e. Korea, Japan and Russia. BVA members have been always allowed to convey brochures and other marketing materials to be brought along the events.
In addition to that Bali Villa Association was involved in making the bill (law) about ‘TOURISM’ by Culture and Tourism Department (Undang undang RI nomor 10 tahun 2009 tentang Kepariwisataan) see: page 49, character ‘f’. It mentions one of accommodation services is ‘Villa’.
Those are only a few to mention BVA’s participation in making Bali tourism robust. It might not be overdoing if Badung resident had admitted its existence is significant for Bali tourism upturn.
With my best regards,
Ismoyo S. Soemarlan
Chairman Bali Villa Association