Bali Experiences Decline in Domestic Tourists, Focuses on Boosting International Visitor Numbers
Bali, Indonesia – The popular resort island of Bali has seen a notable decrease in domestic tourist arrivals in 2025, with local travelers opting for alternative destinations closer to home. Bali Governor I Wayan Koster reported that domestic tourist arrivals to the island are projected to decline from 10.1 million in 2024 to an estimated 9.2 million by the end of 2025. Flight Reductions Cited as Key Factor
Governor Koster attributed this downturn primarily to a limited number of domestic flights serving Bali. Several aircraft operated by Garuda Indonesia and its subsidiary Citilink are currently undergoing maintenance, which has led to a reduction in the number of flights. Specifically, the fleet serving Bali has been reduced from 11 to 9 aircraft for Garuda Indonesia, while Citilink’s fleet has nearly halved, from 11 to 6 aircraft. Despite fewer available flights, demand for seats remains high, resulting in fully booked flights and limited options for travelers.
Shifts in Tourist Preferences and Infrastructure
The governor also noted that domestic tourists, particularly those from Java, are increasingly choosing destinations within the island itself. Improved infrastructure, such as expanded toll roads, has made these alternative locales more accessible, drawing visitors away from Bali.
International Tourism on the Rise
In response to the dip in domestic visitors, Bali is focusing on attracting foreign tourists. Arrival numbers have increased by around 600,000 as of late December 2025, with international visitor arrivals expected to reach 7.05 million by year-end—an increase of approximately 700,000 compared to the previous year. Governor Koster emphasized that despite perceptions of a quiet season, Bali remains a busy tourist destination, bolstered by the growth in inbound international tourism.
National Tourism Trends and Outlook
While Bali experiences a slight decrease in domestic tourism, Indonesia as a whole saw a surge in domestic travel throughout 2025. Nationally, domestic trips increased by 18.89 percent year-on-year, reaching nearly one billion trips by October, and are projected to hit 1.21 billion by the end of the year—surpassing pre-pandemic records from 2019. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana highlighted that the domestic tourism decline in Bali is linked to public perceptions of unfavorable weather conditions and competition from emerging destinations such as Yogyakarta. However, she emphasized that Bali’s appeal remains strong, with only a modest 2 percent decrease in domestic visitor numbers.
Although foreign arrivals to Indonesia are growing and are expected to reach 15.31 million in 2025, they have yet to return to the pre-pandemic peak of 16.1 million visitors recorded in 2019. Overall, Bali is adjusting its tourism strategy by aiming to balance and grow both international visitor numbers and domestic tourist appeal, amid evolving travel preferences and logistical challenges.
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