Bali Tourism Records Impressive 88% Recovery in International Visitors
Published on January 22, 2024
In a significant boost to Bali’s tourism sector, the Bali Tourism Board (Gabungan Industri Pariwisata Indonesia – GIPI) proudly announced that the island’s international tourism has bounced back to 88% of its pre-COVID levels, marking a remarkable recovery.
As reported by KOMPAS.com, the influx of foreign tourists to Bali in 2023, up to December 15, reached 5.37 million, slightly below the 2019 pre-pandemic figure of 6.3 million. Chairman of The Bali Tourism Board, Ida Bagus Agung Parta Adnyana, shared insights with the State News Agency Antara on December 29, 2023, stating, “We have surpassed the 4.5 million foreign visitors target for the entire year 2023.”
This surge in international arrivals represents a significant leap from the figures recorded in 2022. The revival gained momentum following the gradual resumption of international flights to Bali from March 7, 2022. Consequently, Bali’s economy experienced a noteworthy 5% growth in Q3 2023, outpacing the national average. By the end of 2023, the island’s economic growth had reached an impressive 5.5%.
The robust rebound of Bali’s tourism aligns with the projections of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which indicates a global tourism recovery ranging between 80-90%.
On a national scale, Indonesia witnessed foreign visitor numbers reaching 9.5 million by October 2023, according to data from the National Statistics Agency (BPS). Notably, 46.2% of these visitors chose Bali as their preferred destination.
Bali retains its top spot as the leading national destination for foreign travelers, with Jakarta and Batam following suit. The island’s resilience and rebound serve as a positive sign for the broader recovery of Indonesia’s tourism industry, reflecting the gradual normalization of international travel patterns.
