Bali Governor Wayan Koster is projecting that international tourist arrivals to Bali will reach between 7.1 million and 7.2 million for the full year of 2026.
If achieved, the figure would surpass the 7.04 million international arrivals recorded by Bali in 2025 and provide another indication of the island’s continuing tourism recovery.
Bali Could Surpass 7 Million International Visitors
Koster shared the projection while opening the 15th Regional Conference of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali at the InterContinental Bali Hotel in Jimbaran on October 16, 2026.
According to the governor, Bali recorded approximately 5.2 million international tourist arrivals between January and September 30, 2026.
This represented an increase compared with the same period in 2025. Based on the trend, Koster expects the full-year figure to exceed the previous year’s total.
2026 projection: approximately 7.1 million to 7.2 million international tourist arrivals.
Bali recorded approximately 7.04 million international arrivals in 2025.
Tourism’s Major Role in Bali’s Economy
Koster emphasized the importance of tourism to both Bali’s regional economy and Indonesia’s wider tourism sector.
According to the governor, tourism accounts for approximately 66 percent of Bali’s economy and Bali receives nearly 45 percent of all foreign tourist visits to Indonesia.
These figures demonstrate the unusually important role international tourism plays in Bali compared with many other destinations.
Foreign Exchange Earnings Could Reach Rp 176 Trillion
Koster also highlighted the amount of foreign exchange generated by international tourism.
With average tourist spending estimated at approximately US$122 per day, Bali’s tourism sector is expected to generate around Rp176 trillion in foreign exchange.
Koster said this represents approximately 55 percent of Indonesia’s total tourism-related foreign exchange earnings.
Key figures highlighted by Governor Koster:
International arrivals in 2025: approximately 7.04 million
International arrivals January–September 2026: approximately 5.2 million
Projected 2026 arrivals: approximately 7.1–7.2 million
Average tourist spending: approximately US$122 per day
Estimated tourism foreign exchange: approximately Rp176 trillion
Governor Calls for Greater National Attention
Koster argued that Bali’s substantial contribution to Indonesia’s tourism economy warrants greater attention from the central government.
He emphasized that Bali is a relatively small island but makes a significant contribution to Indonesia’s tourism foreign exchange earnings.
The governor said he would continue communicating Bali’s economic contribution in order to encourage national policies that recognize the scale and importance of the island’s tourism sector.
Culture Remains Central to Bali Tourism
Beyond visitor numbers and economic statistics, Koster emphasized that Bali’s tourism strength is closely connected to its culture and traditions.
He urged tourism businesses not to focus exclusively on financial returns but also to contribute to preserving Bali’s cultural roots.
According to Koster, Bali’s customs, traditions, and culture are fundamental elements of the island’s international appeal.
Bali’s tourism appeal is not based solely on beaches and resorts. Its culture, traditions, and distinctive identity remain important parts of what attracts visitors from around the world.
A More Orderly Tourism Business Environment
Koster also highlighted the importance of creating an orderly and fair tourism business ecosystem as visitor numbers continue to grow.
The Bali Provincial Government is closely monitoring the proliferation of unlicensed tourism accommodations and facilities being marketed through online travel agency platforms.
According to the report, these unlicensed operations could create challenges for businesses that comply with applicable regulations.
Why Bali’s Tourism Growth Matters
Continued growth in international arrivals can have a wide effect across Bali’s economy.
Hotels, villas, restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators, attractions, retail businesses, and other tourism-related services all depend to varying degrees on visitor activity.
Higher visitor numbers can also create opportunities for communities outside the island’s traditional tourism centers, particularly when tourism development is combined with improved infrastructure and better regional connectivity.
Best Bali Real Estate Perspective
A projected 7.1–7.2 million international visitors would reinforce Bali’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s most important tourism markets.
From a Bali real estate perspective, sustained international visitor numbers are important because tourism is closely connected to demand for accommodation, hospitality services, rental properties, retirement options, and second homes.
A growing tourism economy can support property-related businesses in established destinations while also creating opportunities in areas that are beginning to attract more visitors.
However, strong visitor numbers do not automatically mean that every Bali property will perform equally well. Location, accessibility, property quality, surrounding development, legal structure, local regulations, and the long-term character of the area remain important considerations.
The government’s focus on creating a more orderly tourism ecosystem is also relevant to property owners and investors. A professional tourism market depends on responsible operators and a business environment in which compliant businesses are able to compete fairly.
Growth and Preservation Must Work Together
Bali’s challenge is not simply attracting more visitors. The island must also manage the environmental, cultural, infrastructure, and economic pressures that accompany continued tourism growth.
Koster’s comments highlight the importance of balancing economic opportunity with the preservation of the culture and traditions that make Bali distinctive in the first place.
For the long-term health of Bali’s tourism industry, continued growth will need to be accompanied by responsible development and a fair business environment.
Bali is on track for another strong year of international tourism.
Governor Wayan Koster’s projection of 7.1 million to 7.2 million foreign visitors in 2026 would put arrivals above the 7.04 million recorded in 2025. As tourism continues to grow, the challenge will be ensuring that the economic benefits are distributed fairly while Bali’s culture, traditions, and unique identity are protected.
