Although Bali has officially entered its low season, the island remains far from quiet. Nusa Penida, a popular destination just off Bali’s mainland, still enjoys a robust occupancy rate of 60-80 percent in its accommodations. Surprisingly, this level of occupancy has held steady despite the fact that October and November typically see a decline in tourist visits.
“Visitor numbers usually start to dip during the low season from October to November,” said Wayan Sukadana, Secretary of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) for Klungkung Regency, as reported by Antara on Wednesday (23/10/2024).
One of the key factors keeping Nusa Penida busy this year is the recent Nusa Penida Festival 2024, which took place from Thursday (10/10/2024) to Sunday (12/10/2024). The festival drew tourists, particularly from overseas, contributing significantly to the high occupancy rates.
Nusa Penida, along with its neighboring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, is particularly popular with international visitors from European nations like Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as from China and India.
As Wayan explained, there are currently around 600 accommodation units in Nusa Penida, the majority of which are locally managed, including homestays and cottages. During peak seasons, the average occupancy rate reaches even higher levels, typically ranging from 70-90 percent.
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Wayan highlighted that local tourism stakeholders are currently working on programs that not only attract tourists but also promote sustainability. Initiatives such as seaweed farming and environmental conservation offer unique, immersive experiences for visitors while fostering sustainable tourism practices.
“Tourism should be understood as sustainable economics, sustainable culture, and environmental conservation,” Wayan stressed, underscoring the community’s vision for long-term growth in the industry.
In terms of broader tourism to Bali, as of August 2024, the island has recorded 2,897,405 international visitors. Australians make up the largest group, with 1,028,951 tourists arriving from the country. India follows with 347,469 visitors, China with 326,431, and the United Kingdom with 202,856.
Other countries contributing significantly to Bali’s tourism influx include South Korea with 192,728 visitors, the United States with 181,748, France with 181,224, Malaysia with 159,675, Singapore with 140,969, and Germany with 135,354 visitors.
Despite the low season, Bali, particularly Nusa Penida, continues to thrive, showing that even outside peak travel times, it remains a favorite for international travelers, with sustainable tourism practices helping to ensure the destination remains attractive and viable for years to come.
