Tourists turn attention to their bags

[Tom]

Recent drug-smuggling arrests in Bali have made people more vigilant but will not discourage travellers, according to Travelscene Orange manager Robert Thornberry.

 

Mr Thornberry recently returned from his annual holiday to Bali and said he noticed more people ensuring their luggage had not been tampered with.

 

"I would say 90 per cent of bags going around the carousel at the airport had a lock on them. I know Melbourne and Brisbane airports have machines that can plastic wrap your bags and a lot of people seem to be using them," he said.

 

The case of Australian Schapelle Corby, accused of smuggling cannabis into Bali, the trial has come down to proving whether or not the drug was planted in Ms Corby's bag without her knowledge.

 

Mr Thornberry said people should check their luggage visually, rather than just trying to guess if it is any heavier.

 

"If a lock or seal is broken, report it. It's very difficult to remember how much your bag weighs between getting on the plane and going through customs," he said.

 

Since the Bali bombings, Mr Thornberry said the more expensive end of the tourist market in Bali seemed to have recovered more quickly.

 

He believes it will remain a popular tourist destination for Australians.

 

"It's a great place, it's cheap and the people are lovely. I would have no hesitation selling it to anyone," he said.

 

Author:ELLEN VAZ

Date:Wednesday, 27 April 2005

Source:orange.yourguide.com.au

Copyright:© Copyright 2000 by Rural Press Ltd