As Bali gears up for the peak holiday season, officials from the Central Statistics Agency have reviewed travel data for the year so far and discovered that Bali tourism is steadily approaching pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, they have identified the countries whose travelers have the strongest affinity for Bali.
Speaking from Denpasar on June 5th, Associate Expert Statistical, I Made Agus Adnyana, provided an analysis of the current travel trends in Bali. Based on the arrivals data until the end of April 2023, he revealed that the cumulative number of tourist visits is nearly equal to the same period in 2019 before the pandemic.
According to Adnyana, “Until the end of April 2023, there were 1,437,740 foreign tourists visiting, while in 2019, during the same period, there were 1,819,644, resulting in a difference of only 381,924 visits.”
This news is highly beneficial for both tourist businesses and travelers themselves. With the thriving travel industry in Bali, there are increasing opportunities for memorable experiences on the island, as well as attractive travel deals.
Adnyana highlighted two primary reasons for the recent surge in tourism over the past two months. First, there has been an increase in flight availability, allowing more visitors to reach Bali conveniently. Second, the changing conditions in the home countries of many travelers have also contributed to the boost in tourism.
In April 2023, the top international arrivals in Bali were from Australia, India, China, England, and the United States of America, in that order.
Adnyana explained, “Australian visitors totaled 102,737, a 14.43 percent increase compared to the previous month. India had 35,854 visits, marking a 27.29 percent increase from the previous month. China, Britain, and America also experienced significant growth, with each country’s visits increasing by 95.79 percent.”
From March to April 2023, Bali witnessed the largest increase in arrivals so far this year. It is anticipated that the figures for April to May will show an even greater surge in arrivals, although the data is still being compiled by the Central Statistics Agency.
Why does Bali continue to attract travelers from Australia, the UK, and the USA? These countries, particularly Australia, the UK, and the USA, have consistently shown a strong preference for Bali as a popular destination.
Bali has long been a sought-after winter-sun getaway for Australian travelers. During the extended school holidays, tens of thousands of families make an annual pilgrimage from Australia to the enchanting Island of the Gods. The island’s appeal lies in its family-friendly atmosphere, with numerous beachside resorts catering to diverse family dynamics.
The availability of flights is another crucial factor that contributes to Bali’s popularity among Australian travelers. Flights between Australia’s major transportation hubs and Bali operate multiple times daily, throughout the week. This high accessibility, coupled with straightforward visa procedures, makes Bali an attractive destination for Australians, whether they are planning spontaneous getaways or meticulously planned vacations.
Bali and Australia share a longstanding relationship that dates back to the adventuring backpackers and surfers of the 1970s. This bond has endured through various events, such as the Bali Bombings and the challenges posed by the pandemic. Additionally, numerous business owners and retirees have chosen to invest their resources in building a new life on the island, further strengthening the connection between Bali and Australia. Many holidaymakers view their trips to Bali as an opportunity to reunite with family and reconnect with old local friends year after year.
In the case of travelers from Europe and the USA, the influence of media and social media cannot be understated in promoting Bali as a desirable destination. Southeast Asia, particularly Bali, often serves as the starting point for young travelers embarking on their first backpacking adventures. For years, Bali has provided a safe and welcoming environment for these budding explorers to gain experience and find their footing in the world.
Travelers from the USA frequently mention the allure of Bali’s tropical beaches, lush jungles, and delightful cuisine. They appreciate the comparatively relaxed and free-spirited lifestyle on the island, which contrasts with the fast-paced and demanding nature of life in North America.
While the analysis of travel data for May is still underway, it is evident that Bali tourism remains on track to meet, and possibly surpass, its tourism targets for 2023.
