In 2025, Bali, Indonesia’s renowned tourist destination, welcomed over 6 million international visitors.
The island province is on track for growth, with ambitious goals to attract high-quality tourists.
In 2025, Bali’s top five visitor countries were Australia, China, India, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
The projections for an annual increase in international visitors align with post-pandemic global trends, with international visitor numbers expected to exceed 12 billion by 2030.
A large number of visitors are heading to Asia and the Middle East, with projections reaching approximately 800 million by 2027, up from 692 million in 2025 under a medium-growth scenario.
Bali’s tourism plays a vital role in Indonesia’s GDP, and it is viewed as a key pillar of the country’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
By 2025, the tourism sector is expected to contribute 5.5% to Indonesia’s GDP, up 21% from 2019 levels, with further growth anticipated by 2035.
Bali is working to expand its tourism industry while also considering the impacts of this sector on the environment, local culture, and its people. By collaborating with industry stakeholders and experts, Bali aims to develop tourism that supports the local economy, preserves cultural values, and ensures environmental sustainability.
Bali is implementing several strategies to achieve its goals. One key approach is integrating the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy, which emphasizes harmony among humans, God, and nature.
This philosophy aims to balance economic growth with the preservation of cultural and environmental aspects. Additionally, Bali is working to expand tourism destinations beyond the island to alleviate overcrowding and promote balanced development.
Popular areas like Ubud and Seminyak face saturation. This presents opportunities to invest in surrounding and underdeveloped areas such as Pererenan, Cemagi/Seseh, and Uluwatu, particularly in transportation infrastructure and access to attract more visitors, add economic value, and ensure a balanced development in the area.
Bali seeks to remain true to its rich cultural heritage and offers this as an authentic experience to international visitors. Lastly, it is forming robust partnerships with the government, local communities, and businesses to establish and enforce stringent regulations that promote sustainable tourism practices and the well-being of locals and international visitors.
Improving Infrastructure in Bali.
Bali’s growing tourism industry and the number of international and local visitors are causing traffic jams and waste problems, which threaten to undermine its projected growth.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster vows to fix these problems through necessary infrastructure investments and upgrades. Koster notes that tourism accounts for 66% of Bali’s economy and has since recovered from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Bali Provincial Government has developed a Priority Infrastructure Development Plan for the next five years. This plan focuses on investing in the transportation network to connect Bali’s northern, southern, eastern, and western regions through central Bali, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion. Achieving this goal will require additional funding from the central government.
To support these infrastructure improvements, it is essential that every tourist pays the Bali Tourism Tax Levy, which has been in effect since February 2024.
However, only about 35% of tourists have complied with this tax. By 2026, Bali plans to make this tourism tax mandatory for all visitors to help finance its infrastructure upgrades.
Bali is at a critical juncture as it aims to balance ambitious tourism growth with the need for environmental and cultural sustainability.
By investing in infrastructure, incorporating local knowledge, and preserving the natural environment, Bali is adopting a comprehensive and sustainable approach.
This strategy seeks to achieve both tourism and economic growth while ensuring the island’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and specialist infrastructure are maintained for future generations.
Sources:
Murharam, H. (2025, July). Bali’s Tourism: Navigating Recovery and Charting a Sustainable Future (2019-2030). Linked In. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/balis-tourism-navigating-recovery-charting-future-hendrawan-muharam-krrnc/
Bali’s International Tourism Surge in 2025: Who’s Visiting and Why It Matters. (2025, August). 8 Degree. Retrieved from https://8degree.co/bali-international-tourism-surge-in-2025/
Major Infrastructure Upgrades Planned In Bali’s Top Tourism Destinations. (2026, January 11). The Bali Sun. Retrieved from https://thebalisun.com/major-infrastructure-upgrades-planned-in-balis-top-tourism-destinations/
The Key to Bali’s Rise as a Quality Tourism Icon. (2025, June 11). Marclan International. Retrieved from https://marclaninternational.com/the-key-to-balis-rise-as-a-quality-tourism-icon/
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