Top Travel Executive Highlights Vast Tourism Potential of Indonesia Beyond Bali
November 17, 2025 — In a recent statement, Tony Fernandes, CEO of the low-cost airline AirAsia, emphasized the immense tourism opportunities that Indonesia offers beyond its famed island of Bali. Speaking to the media, Fernandes expressed enthusiasm about encouraging travelers to explore more of the Indonesian archipelago, highlighting lesser-known destinations as emerging gems for tourists worldwide.
Indonesia: More Than Just Bali
While Bali remains Indonesia’s premier and most popular tourist destination, Fernandes pointed out that the country’s diverse regions hold untapped attractions that deserve greater attention. “Indonesia is like a diamond in the making,” he remarked. “People know Indonesia as Bali, but there’s so much more to it.” He referenced new flight routes AirAsia has launched to destinations like Labuan Bajo and Bandung, marking a strategic push to connect travelers with Indonesia’s rich cultural, historical, and natural sites.
Showcasing Indonesia’s Rich Heritage and Natural Beauty
Fernandes described Indonesia’s tourism appeal as multifaceted, covering “incredible people, incredible history, incredible culture, and incredible natural beauty,” including pristine beaches, scenic hills, and indigenous cultures. These elements combine to create an alluring travel experience that extends well beyond the well-trodden paths of Bali’s beaches and resorts.
Expanding Connectivity and Travel Opportunities
Looking ahead, Fernandes outlined AirAsia’s ambitious plans to improve connectivity within Indonesia. He revealed ongoing collaborations with the Indonesian government to open regional airports and ease visa restrictions, aiming to facilitate easier and more affordable travel within the country over the next three to five years. These efforts will support not only leisure travelers but also business tourists and residents seeking convenient domestic travel options.
“Sixty percent of our routes are new, ones we’ve never flown before,” Fernandes shared. He emphasized AirAsia’s collaboration with aircraft manufacturers like Airbus to develop planes suitable for serving smaller destinations, thereby expanding travel possibilities across Asia and Indonesia’s extensive island network.
Current Routes and Future Outlook
AirAsia and its Indonesian affiliate currently operate 17 domestic and international routes from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. Domestic flights connect key cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Solo. Internationally, AirAsia flies to major Asia-Pacific hubs including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Shanghai, Manila, Johor Bahru, and New Delhi. Additionally, the airline offers popular direct services between Bali and Australian cities including Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.
Aligning with National Tourism Goals
Fernandes’ vision resonates with the Indonesian National Tourism Board, Wonderful Indonesia, which aims to position Bali as a central travel hub while fostering sustainable tourism. The board promotes lesser-visited destinations and supports infrastructure development to encourage tourists to experience the full breadth of Indonesia’s travel offerings.
In August, Wonderful Indonesia introduced the ‘Bajo, Bali, Beyond Beautiful’ itinerary, which features not only Bali but also Labuan Bajo—one of Indonesia’s super priority tourist destinations. Other priority locations include Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur in Central Java, Mandalika in Lombok, and Likupang in North Sulawesi. The itinerary highlights landmarks such as Komodo National Park and Taman Beji Griya Waterfall, offering travelers diverse and enriching experiences.
Looking Forward
With increased flight connectivity, new regional airports, and supportive government policies, Indonesia’s tourism industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years. Fernandes and AirAsia’s commitment to unlocking Indonesia’s full tourism potential promises to bring a wider array of destinations to global travelers, while supporting sustainable and accessible tourism development throughout the archipelago.
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