Bali Experiences Record International Tourism Growth Amid Domestic Travel Challenges
December 29, 2025 — Bali, Indonesia’s premier tourist destination, is witnessing a significant surge in international visitors by the end of 2025, even as domestic tourist arrivals show a notable decline. This evolving trend highlights shifts in travel patterns influenced by airline operational issues and increased competition from emerging domestic destinations.
Domestic Tourism Declines Due to Flight Reductions and Competing Destinations
Projected figures indicate that domestic tourists arriving in Bali will drop to 9.2 million in 2025, down from 10.1 million in 2024. Governor I Wayan Koster attributed this decrease primarily to the reduced number of domestic flights available to the island. Several aircraft from Indonesia’s national carrier Garuda Indonesia and its low-cost subsidiary Citilink are undergoing maintenance, resulting in a reduced fleet servicing Bali — with Garuda trimming its fleet from 11 to 9 planes and Citilink halving theirs from 11 to 6. Even though the remaining flights are fully booked, this reduced seat capacity has made travel more challenging for Indonesian tourists, many of whom hail from the neighboring island of Java. Concurrently, growing infrastructure improvements on Java—such as upgraded toll roads—have made alternative destinations like Yogyakarta more accessible and attractive. These destinations offer comparable cultural experiences and natural beauty, drawing domestic travelers who might otherwise have chosen Bali. The result is a redistribution of domestic tourism within the country, with Indonesians increasingly opting for regional exploration.
International Tourism Bolsters Bali’s Economy
Despite lower domestic numbers, Bali is enjoying record growth in international arrivals. By December 2025, the island welcomed approximately 7.05 million foreign tourists, an increase of 600,000 visitors compared to the previous year. Governor Koster emphasized that the influx of international tourists ensures Bali remains a vibrant and economically active hub. This boost is vital for local businesses, particularly in hospitality and service sectors, which had been recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We see that Bali is not quiet; it is quite busy,” Koster remarked. Likewise, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, pointed out that the dip in domestic tourism does not imply a loss of appeal but rather stems from external factors such as flight availability and the rise of alternative domestic destinations. Wardhana also cited weather conditions as a perceived deterrent for some domestic travelers.
National Tourism Trends Show Strong Domestic Travel Growth
While Bali faces specific challenges in attracting domestic tourists, the wider Indonesian tourism industry has recorded impressive gains. Domestic trips nationwide surged nearly 19% in 2025, reaching nearly one billion trips by October and estimated to surpass 1.2 billion by year-end. Enhanced transport infrastructure and growing interest in lesser-known regions are among the factors fueling this surge.
However, international arrivals in Indonesia overall remain below pre-pandemic levels. The country forecasts welcoming 15.31 million foreign tourists by the end of 2025—an improvement from earlier years, yet still shy of the 16.1 million visitors recorded in 2019. ### Bali’s Strategic Focus: Strengthening International Appeal and Infrastructure
Moving forward, Bali aims to further establish itself as a premier global destination by focusing on attracting more international tourists. The island’s tourism industry has historically depended on foreign visitors for substantial revenue, and the recent increase in international arrivals reaffirms Bali’s worldwide reputation.
Investments are underway to enhance the island’s infrastructure, including upgrades to roads, airport facilities, and public services, all designed to improve the overall visitor experience. Such developments are expected to sustain Bali’s competitiveness and appeal.
Balancing Domestic and International Tourism Demands
Bali’s tourism sector faces the challenge of balancing growing international tourism demand with the domestic market’s evolving preferences. As more Indonesians explore new regional destinations, Bali is tasked with innovating and adapting to maintain its status as a favorite holiday spot for both local and foreign travelers.
This balancing act will be critical for sustainable tourism development, ensuring Bali continues to welcome diverse tourists while managing the pressures associated with mass tourism.
As the new year approaches, Bali’s tourism industry looks set to capitalize on its global appeal while navigating shifts in domestic travel behavior—a dual approach likely to shape the island’s tourism landscape in 2026 and beyond.
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