In the First Seven Months of 2024, Bali Welcomed 7.75 Million Foreign Tourists

The year 2024 is becoming the busiest year for international tourism in Bali. According to mid-year data, the number of international arrivals to the island has already surpassed all figures from 2019. From January to July 2024, Bali has been visited by 7.75 million tourists, digital nomads, expatriates, and investors.

Increase in Arrivals

The Central Statistics Agency of Indonesia reports that the number of international arrivals in Bali has reached record levels. Deputy Agency Pudji Ismartini noted that the number of foreign tourists by July 2024 is the highest since 2020. The island has seen a 20.75% increase compared to the same period last year. In July 2024, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport welcomed 1.31 million international tourists, marking a 9.42% increase from June and a 16.91% increase from July 2023.

Main Sources of Tourists

The demographic structure of tourists remains unchanged, primarily consisting of residents from Malaysia, Australia, China, and Singapore. In July 2024, Bali saw 177,000 tourists from Malaysia, 166,000 from Australia, 126,000 from China, and 102,000 from Singapore.

Major Airports in Indonesia

I Gusti Ngurah Rai and Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta remain the busiest airports in Indonesia, accounting for 90% of the total number of international arrivals and departures.

Length of Stay and Service Improvement

The average length of stay in Indonesia is 8.1 nights. Tourists from Southeast Asia stay for an average of 3.67 nights, while those from Africa stay for 15.74 nights. In response to the record airport congestion, measures are being taken to streamline the arrival and departure processes.

Regulating the Tourism Market

Despite the positive growth in tourism, many Bali residents believe that the pace of development needs reconsideration. Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan announced the development of new legislation to manage excessive tourism and protect Balinese culture. “Bali without its culture will no longer be a paradise island,” the minister emphasized.

Source: The Bali Sun

Conclusion

2024 promises to be a record year for international tourism in Bali. However, it is important to balance tourism development with the preservation of the island’s unique culture.