Bali Maritime Tourism Hub to Usher in a New Era for Bali’s Travel Industry
Bali, Indonesia — Indonesia’s Tourism Minister, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, recently visited Bali to discuss ambitious plans for the future of tourism in the province, spotlighting a significant new development poised to transform travel and leisure on the island.
During her visit, Minister Wardhana held discussions with Bali Governor Wayan Koster and toured the newly developed Bali Maritime Tourism Hub, a multimillion-dollar project revitalizing the Benoa Harbour area in southern Bali. Situated within Denpasar City’s jurisdiction, the Maritime Tourism Hub is anticipated to redefine Bali’s tourism landscape.
Strategic Upgrade of Benoa Harbour
The redevelopment project in Benoa Harbour aims to elevate Bali as a premier cruise tourism destination. Minister Wardhana highlighted the strategic nature of the upgrade, which now enables the port to accommodate cruise ships measuring up to 1,100 square meters. The new docking facilities include a pier capable of hosting three jumbo-sized cruise ships simultaneously, with a combined capacity to welcome up to 9,000 passengers. This infrastructure advancement is expected to position Bali as a world-leading cruise destination in the coming decade.
In addition to the expanded cruise ship facilities, the hub encompasses a 57,400 square meter yacht marina designed to berth 275 luxury yachts. The area will also feature a range of supporting infrastructure including clubhouses, restaurants, and accommodations to serve visitors and enhance the hub’s appeal.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Drajat Sulistyo, Strategic Director of Pelindo—the state-owned company managing the development—explained how the hub will stimulate economic growth in Bali and its surrounding regions. “The Bali Maritime Tourism Hub is not just a port, but a center for marine tourism integrated with logistics, shipping, and tourism infrastructure,” he said. Pelindo remains committed to establishing the area as an international maritime hub and is calling for cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the hub’s progress.
Benoa Harbour has experienced rapidly increasing demand for cruise travel; during the first half of 2025, it welcomed 38 cruise ships carrying more than 50,000 international tourists. In 2024, the port received 59 cruise ships and 103,000 passengers. With ongoing developments, the port anticipates breaking new tourism records by the end of 2025. ### Support from Local Government and Sustainable Tourism Focus
The Bali Provincial Government, Ministry of Tourism, and Pelindo are joined by the Denpasar City Government in supporting this initiative. Ni Luh Putu Riyastiti, Head of the Denpasar Tourism Office, launched a sustainable marine tourism awareness campaign in May 2025, aimed at encouraging tourists to visit Benoa and nearby Serangan while promoting community engagement in sustainable tourism practices.
Riyastiti emphasized the responsibility inherent in tourism growth: “Maintaining marine sustainability, protecting coastal ecosystems, and ensuring that all development adheres to sustainability principles is vital.” She highlighted efforts to not only minimize negative impacts but also work toward restoring ecosystems and improving the quality of life for local communities.
Benoa and Tanjung Benoa: Family-Friendly Destinations
Benoa’s Tanjung Benoa area is particularly well regarded for its family-friendly atmosphere and extensive watersports offerings, from banana boat rides to parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling. Located mere minutes from Bali’s main airport, Tanjung Benoa presents an ideal setting for relaxed, multigenerational family vacations.
Looking Ahead
With the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub nearing full operational capacity, the island’s tourism industry stands on the cusp of a new era. The integration of expanded cruise ship access, luxury yacht marinas, and supporting leisure facilities promises to attract a broader range of visitors and stimulate further economic growth. Combined with commitments to sustainable development, Bali is setting a course to remain one of the world’s premier travel destinations for years to come.
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