Foreign Tourist Arrivals in Bali Increased to 370,000 Visits in March 2023, with Most Coming from Australia

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported 370,832 foreign tourist visits to Bali in March 2023. This figure represents a 14.59% increase compared to the previous month (month-on-month/mom), which saw 323,623 visits.

Furthermore, compared to the same period last year, the number of foreign tourist visits to Bali in March 2023 increased dramatically from only 14,620 visits in March 2022. In March 2021, only 3 foreign tourists visited Bali.

Based on transportation, 367,090 foreign tourists (98.99%) visited Bali by air, and 3,742 foreign tourists (1.01%) used sea transport.

The top 10 countries of origin for tourists visiting Bali in March 2023 are:

1. Australia: 89,783 visits (24.21%)
2. India: 28,167 visits (7.6%)
3. Singapore: 21,003 visits (5.66%)
4. United Kingdom: 20,775 visits (5.6%)
5. United States: 20,360 visits (5.49%)
6. Malaysia: 16,286 visits (4.39%)
7. Germany: 14,968 visits (4.04%)
8. Russia: 14,186 visits (3.83%)
9. South Korea: 13,536 visits (3.65%)
10. China: 12,658 visits (3.41%)

In total, the number of foreign tourist visits to Bali during the January-March 2023 period reached 1,026,367. Compared to the January-March 2022 period, this number increased by thousands of percent (6,341.77%).

Hundreds of Foreign Nationals Deported Since the Beginning of 2023

Social media has been abuzz with posts about indecent acts committed by several foreign tourists in Bali. These include a foreign tourist exposing themselves on a motorcycle and another engaging in nudity at a cultural performance.

The Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, urged the public not to spread videos of misbehaving tourists on the "Island of the Gods" to maintain the positive image of the tourism industry.

"Therefore, all members of the public are expected to understand this. If we want tourism to continue, all parties must maintain the positive image of Bali's tourism, both nationally and internationally," said Pemayun, as quoted by CNN Indonesia on Monday (29/5/2023).

Pemayun stated that almost all cases involving foreign tourists in Bali have been handled appropriately by the authorities. He noted that since January 2023, 129 foreign nationals (WNA) from 37 countries have been sanctioned and deported by Bali immigration.

"Anyone who encounters the misbehavior of foreign tourists is urged to report it immediately. Bali is not famous for its natural resources, but for its richness, uniqueness, superior customs, traditions, arts, culture, local wisdom, and the hospitality of its people," he said.

Pemayun said the local provincial government will soon issue regulations to maintain the positive image of Bali's cultural tourism slogan. Furthermore, these regulations are expected to realize a quality and beneficial tourism program in accordance with Bali Regional Regulation Number 5 of 2020 and Bali Governor Regulation Number 28 of 2020.

"This is what we must protect, by wisely using social media. Especially as a barometer of tourism, even the slightest upheaval will draw the world's attention to Bali. Therefore, maintaining the positive image of Bali's tourism is an absolute necessity for all parties," he said.