Strategies for Bali to Attract 7mn Foreign Tourists without Overtourism

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bali is targeted to attract 7 million foreign tourists by 2024, about 50 percent of the overall target of foreign tourists coming to Indonesia this year.

This was stated by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno at the Bali Tourism Outlook Dinner Meeting in the Payogan Villa Resort and Spa, Ubud, Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

Sandiaga said that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy targets 14.3 million foreign tourists visiting Indonesia. Bali accounts for 50 percent of that figure because it is a favorite tourist destination. Based on a study by the ministry, the Island of the Gods can meet the target.

"In aggregate (tourist visits) in Bali accounts for 50 percent (of the national tourist visit target). So about seven million," Sandiaga said.

Preventing overtourism

To achieve this figure, it must be done carefully to prevent overtourism. One strategy is to increase accessibility to Bali by adding international flights and presenting unique and attractive tour packages without causing overtourism. So that quality and sustainable tourism can be maintained in Bali.

"It is necessary to increase the number of flights and add travel packages that distribute more quality tourists and they stay longer here so that the local community feels the economic impact without overburdening and causing overtourism," he said.

According to Sandiaga, these efforts are expected to accelerate the achievement of the target number of foreign tourist visits in 2024. "Hopefully, the revival of tourism in Bali can be even stronger in 2024 and achieve the target of creating 4.4 million new jobs," Sandiaga said.

Bali is included in the list of tourist destinations experiencing overtourism according to the World Travel & Tourism Council from January to November 2023. Other world cities on the list besides Bali include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens, Miami, Phuket, Paris, and Venice.

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