Bali Faces Domestic Tourism Challenges as International Visitors Surge to Record Highs in 2025

Bali Faces Domestic Tourism Decline Amid Airline Fleet Reductions, Yet Sees Record Growth in International Visitors

December 30, 2025

Bali, Indonesia — The renowned island of Bali is experiencing a paradox in its 2025 tourism landscape: a slight downturn in domestic visitors coupled with a significant surge in international arrivals. This dynamic is reshaping Bali’s tourism sector, highlighting challenges and opportunities for the island’s hospitality industry.

Domestic Tourism Decline Linked to Flight Reductions

According to data from the Bali provincial administration and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, domestic tourism to Bali has decreased from 10.1 million visitors in 2024 to an estimated 9.2 million by the end of 2025. A key factor behind this decline is the reduced availability of domestic flights. The national carrier Garuda Indonesia, alongside its subsidiary Citilink, has trimmed its fleet serving the island as several aircraft are undergoing maintenance: Garuda Indonesia’s fleet has dropped from 11 to 9 planes, while Citilink’s fleet was cut from 11 to 6 aircraft.

This reduction in flight capacity has intensified competition for seats on existing flights, often resulting in fully booked flights that limit domestic travelers’ ability to visit Bali. Concurrently, travel demand within Indonesia continues to grow overall, but Bali is losing some market share to other regional destinations.

Shifts in Domestic Travel Preferences

Another contributing factor is changing preferences among domestic tourists, particularly those from Java—the country’s most populous island. Improved infrastructure, such as newly built toll roads, has made alternative destinations within Java and elsewhere more accessible and appealing. Cultural and historical cities like Yogyakarta have witnessed a surge in visitors seeking diverse experiences beyond Bali’s beaches and resorts.

Despite this trend, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana emphasizes that the dip in Bali’s domestic tourism is modest, accounting for only about a 2% decline. She notes that adverse perceptions about the island’s weather and expanding travel options have influenced domestic choices but do not diminish Bali’s longstanding appeal.

International Tourism Booms, Driving Bali’s Global Popularity

In sharp contrast to the domestic decline, Bali is experiencing a remarkable increase in foreign tourist arrivals. By December 26, 2025, foreign visitors to Bali had already increased by 600,000 compared to the previous year, with projections estimating a total of 7.05 million international tourists by year-end. This growth of approximately 700,000 visitors over 2024 cements Bali’s position as a leading global destination and a major contributor to Indonesia’s tourism revenue.

Officials remain optimistic that the surge in international arrivals will counterbalance the domestic dip, stimulating local businesses and sustaining employment in Bali’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Enhanced marketing efforts targeting international markets, along with ongoing infrastructure improvements, are key components of Bali’s strategy to capitalize on this momentum.

Broader Context: Indonesia’s Tourism Sector in 2025

While Bali contends with its mixed tourism performance, Indonesia as a whole is witnessing a robust recovery in domestic travel. Nationwide domestic trips surged by nearly 19% compared to 2024, reaching 997.91 million trips by October 2025, with expectations to exceed 1.21 billion by year-end. This figure substantially surpasses pre-pandemic volumes recorded in 2019. However, international arrivals to Indonesia as a whole are anticipated to reach 15.31 million in 2025, which remains slightly below the 16.1 million visitors in 2019. Nevertheless, the steady upward trend since 2021 signals a positive trajectory for the country’s tourism sector recovery.

Looking Ahead: Bali’s Tourism Outlook

Bali’s tourism sector is shifting its focus towards maximizing the benefits of increasing international visitor numbers while addressing challenges associated with domestic travel demand. The island’s rich cultural heritage, world-class accommodations, and beautiful natural landscapes continue to attract tourists worldwide.

Officials and industry stakeholders are exploring ways to manage flight capacity more effectively to support domestic travelers and sustain growth. With continued investment and strategic planning, Bali is well-positioned to maintain its status as a premier international travel destination and to capitalize on its unique appeal in the post-pandemic era.