Tourists keep coming to Bali in large numbers, even as Indonesia deals with unstable weather that has disrupted plans in many parts of the country. The island’s hospitality sector is preparing for the holiday rush by shifting more activities indoors. Bali hotels hope to keep the festive mood alive for Christmas and New Year visitors.
The effort has become a priority for the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali. Its chair, Bali Tjok Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, explained how hotels are moving quickly to adapt. “Of course the atmosphere indoors and outdoors is different. We mitigate by creating something more attractive to draw tourists so the economy can keep moving,” he said in Denpasar.
Indoor attractions are now a key strategy. Hotels want guests to stay entertained even when rain arrives without warning. The goal is simple: keep domestic and international visitors comfortable so Bali remains a top choice for year-end holidays.
Weather patterns across Indonesia have been shifting in recent weeks. Heavy rain has affected several regions, and disasters in Sumatra have raised concerns among travelers. He noted that such conditions could influence travel plans, especially among domestic tourists who tend to react more quickly to weather-related disruptions.
Foreign arrivals, however, continue at an impressive pace. Bali still welcomes around 20,000 to 23,000 international visitors each day, even during this period of unstable weather.
Hotels are not only dealing with rain. Many have begun working with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to strengthen earthquake preparedness. The collaboration includes certification for disaster mitigation, training for hotel staff, and checks on building readiness.
“Hotels in Bali have already worked with BPBD to organize hotel certification for earthquake disaster preparedness,” he said.
As the holidays approach, the sector expects a surge in occupancy. He estimated an increase of up to 20 percent for Christmas and New Year. The first week of December 2025 remains the quiet part of the season, with occupancy below 60 percent, but the trend usually shifts quickly.
Read also: Sumatra Faces Hard Truth as Ancient Land of Gold Struggles With Disasters
Visitor numbers typically climb from the third week of December until the first week of January. That period marks the true peak of the holiday season, when resorts, beaches, and entertainment venues fill with travelers.
Hotels have started preparing festive programs for guests. Many are offering “old and new” themed activities, from special dinners to musical shows and other entertainment. Decorations with Christmas and New Year themes are also being added to create a warm and lively atmosphere for the year-end celebrations.
