Bali to Bangkok: China virus threatens disaster for tourist hotspots

Public were seen wearing face masks during their entry into Malaysia through the Johor Baru Custom, Immigration and Quarantine Complex. - Filepic)

JAKARTA/BANGKOK: The colourful dances of Bali's annual Kintamani Festival have fallen victim to coronavirus -- and travel restrictions to halt its spread could prove costly for other places that rely on Chinese tourists.

Promoted by the Indonesian island as a draw for Chinese holidaymakers, the Feb. 8 festival to celebrate the marriage of an ancient king of Bali to a Chinese princess has been called off in anticipation of a collapse in visitor numbers.