In a bid to revitalize its tourism sector, the Indonesian government has set an ambitious target of welcoming 12 million tourists nationwide in the year 2024. Notably, the enchanting island of Bali shoulders a significant portion of this goal, with an allocation of 5.5 to 7.5 million visitors, making it the primary gateway for international tourists entering Indonesia.
This envisioned influx of tourists presents a double-edged sword for Bali – a prospect of economic growth intertwined with the challenges faced by its tourism sector. Bali’s economy heavily relies on tourism, contributing 53% to its Gross Regional Domestic Product (PDRB), making the stakes higher for the island to meet and manage this aggressive target.
On the positive side, an upswing in tourist visits promises a boost to Bali’s economic landscape. However, the island is not without its hurdles. Lingering issues like environmental concerns and traffic congestion, particularly in South Bali, cast shadows on the smooth realization of this vision.
Despite these challenges, stakeholders in Bali’s tourism remain resolute and optimistic. The island has already witnessed a commendable 5.3 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, dominated by visitors from Australia, India, China, the UK, and the US.
Gus Agung, the Chairman of Bali Tourism Board (BTB), sees potential growth in tourist visits from countries like China and India, which he believes were not optimally tapped into in 2023. According to him, these countries still represent untapped markets that can be further explored and expanded in 2024.
Gus Agung further predicts a shift in the nature of Chinese tourist visits. He anticipates a transition towards more study tours, fostering collaborations with educational institutions in Bali. “Chinese tourists will increasingly engage in study tours in Bali, collaborating with institutions such as the Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) Denpasar and other certified institutions. So, the trend is a combination of business travel, education, and recreation, and this shift needs to be understood,” he explained.
Looking beyond traditional tourism, Bali’s 2024 tourism landscape is poised to benefit from Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) activities and the operationalization of two Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Health Sanur SEZ and Kura-Kura Serangan SEZ in Denpasar. The Health Sanur SEZ, boasting the largest convention center in Bali, is anticipated to attract a plethora of international-level MICE events.
Eco-friendly tourism is also on Bali’s agenda for 2024. Gus Agung highlights the immense potential in the market, with many tourists actively seeking environmentally conscious destinations. Bali’s tourism industry is committed to implementing sustainable practices, such as utilizing eco-friendly energy sources like LNG and CNG.
However, amid the optimism, Gus Agung acknowledges persistent challenges, including traffic congestion and waste management, which pose hurdles for Bali’s tourism in 2024. The congestion in South Bali, in particular, could potentially hinder tourists’ movements, extending travel times to destinations like Ubud.
As Bali prepares to embrace this ambitious tourism target, balancing growth opportunities with sustainable practices becomes paramount. The island’s charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty set the stage for an exciting and challenging journey toward achieving and managing these tourism aspirations in the coming year.
