Bali Governor Rejects Claims of Tourism Decline Ahead of Year-End Holidays
DENPASAR, Bali — Amid circulating social media claims suggesting a downturn in Bali’s tourism sector ahead of the Christmas and New Year holiday season, Bali Governor Wayan Koster has firmly denied any such decline. Speaking after a plenary session at the Bali Regional House of Representatives, Governor Koster emphasized that these narratives are misleading and not supported by official data from airport authorities and the provincial tourism office.
Tourist Arrivals Showing Positive Growth
Governor Koster revealed that Bali is currently welcoming an average of around 17,000 foreign tourists per day. Cumulative international arrivals from January to December 16, 2025, have reached approximately 6.7 million visitors, marking a notable increase from the 6.3 million arrivals recorded during the same period last year. With nearly two weeks remaining in the year, Koster expressed confidence that Bali would meet its goal of 7 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of 2025. “That information is false. I have the data. The total number of arrivals is increasing every day,” Koster stated, directly addressing the misinformation circulating online.
Weather Conditions Impact Tourism Activities, Not Visitor Numbers
While some tourism transport operators have reported a dip in passenger numbers recently, the governor attributed this trend to the region’s extreme weather conditions rather than a decrease in overall visitor volume. Currently in its rainy season, parts of Bali have experienced flooding, leading many tourists to remain indoors and reduce their participation in outdoor activities and local travel.
“It is the rainy season, with flooding in several areas. Many tourists are choosing to stay indoors instead of traveling around,” Koster explained. Heavy rainfall has temporarily altered tourist behavior, particularly affecting demand for transportation services and outdoor excursions, even as airport arrival statistics remain stable.
Social Media Comparisons Deemed Misleading
Governor Koster also criticized viral social media posts that compared air traffic arrivals between Bali and other destinations such as Thailand. He argued that such simplistic comparisons misrepresent the complexities of tourism trends and risk spreading misinformation.
The provincial government maintains that while seasonal weather conditions at the end of the year may impact certain segments of the tourism service sector, Bali’s tourism ecosystem remains robust overall.
Ongoing Commitment to Tourism Recovery and Safety
Tourism officials have noted that the rainy season typically reduces outdoor mobility during the final months of the year, temporarily affecting transport operators and tour providers. Nonetheless, these fluctuations do not reflect a decline in total tourist arrivals, which remain the primary indicator of Bali’s tourism performance.
Authorities are urging both visitors and local businesses to prioritize safety during the wet season while sustaining confidence in the island’s tourism prospects for the long term.
As Bali approaches the festive season, government and tourism stakeholders continue to collaborate on ensuring a safe and successful period for travelers and local communities alike.
Note: This article aims to provide an accurate update on Bali’s tourism situation as of December 2025. Readers are encouraged to verify details with official sources for the most current information.
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