Bali: Focus of Overtourism Concerns for 2025 According to Fodor’s Magazine

Overview

Bali has recently been declared the top destination to reconsider visiting in 2025 by Fodor’s Travel, a well-known online travel news platform. The annual ‘No List,’ which highlights places potentially to avoid due to various concerns, listed Bali as the foremost destination, with the issue of overtourism cited as a significant factor contributing to this designation. With the festive high season approaching, local leaders and travel experts in Bali have begun to address these claims.

Key Findings of the Fodor’s ‘No List’

In its 2025 list, Fodor’s identified a total of fifteen destinations that are facing challenges related to overtourism. Bali topped this list, followed by other popular tourist spots like Barcelona, Venice, Koh Samui, and even Mount Everest. The report highlighted several repercussions of unchecked tourist activity, asserting that rapid development driven by tourism is damaging Bali’s natural habitats and cultural heritage. It described a “plastic apocalypse,” stating that beautiful beaches like Kuta and Seminyak are increasingly burdened by waste, with local waste management systems struggling to cope with the influx.

Local Perspective on Overtourism

Although the concerns raised by Fodor’s cannot be dismissed, local stakeholders argue that Bali offers many authentic travel experiences outside the heavily touristed areas. While it is true that regions in southern Bali, known for their resort concentrations, face considerable challenges such as traffic congestion and waste management, many parts of the island remain pristine and culturally rich, waiting to be explored.

Kristin Winkaffe, a travel expert from Winkaffe Global Travel, expressed that overtourism is fundamentally affecting the core of Balinese life and culture. Traditional practices, such as the subak irrigation system, which has historically supported rice cultivation, are under strain due to increasing demands from tourist areas. She noted, “Without change, we’re risking more than just beautiful scenery—we’re at risk of losing cultural identity itself.”

Marta Soligo, an assistant professor at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, echoed this concern, emphasizing that a growing number of tourism scholars criticize the prevailing “economic growth imperative” pushed by corporations and tour operators, mainly in Western countries.

Responses from Local Officials

Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board, offered a more nuanced view, suggesting that the issue lies not in the sheer number of tourists visiting Bali but rather in the concentration of tourism in specific areas, particularly South Bali. He stated, “Bali does not deserve to be considered a destination to avoid in 2025, as the challenge we face is primarily about distribution of tourism, not overtourism in its entirety.”

Adnyana called for collaboration among government officials, tourism stakeholders, and local communities to develop sustainable tourism practices that benefit all parties involved.

Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, the ex-Deputy Governor of Bali and Head of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, countered Fodor’s claims by questioning the metrics used to define overtourism. He emphasized the need for proper infrastructure and regulatory frameworks rather than blanket statements about overtourism affecting all of Bali.

Moving Forward: Reflections and Solutions

Local tourism leaders see this designation from Fodor’s as an opportunity for self-evaluation and improvement. Deputy Chairman of the PHRI, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, indicated that Bali must reassess its current state to understand why it is listed on the No List. He highlighted issues such as traffic congestion, cleanliness, and overall security as points of concern that require urgent attention.

Suryawijaya emphasized the need for a collective effort to enhance Bali’s image and sustainability practices: “We don’t need to blame each other, but this is the bitter reality that we have to accept. Let’s get back to the spirit of collaboration to improve all factors that can lower Bali’s image.”

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As discussions continue, the spotlight remains on Bali, prompting both local leaders and international observers to rethink the future of tourism on this beautiful island.