Bali had 6.3 million tourists in 2019, in the first 9 months of 2021 it had 43
Before COVID travel restrictions Bali was crowded with tourists that congested the Indonesian island’s villages roads, streets, hotels, bars, restaurants and beaches.
Nowadays the tourist destination is barren resulting in suffering for locals with massive job losses and empty venues.
Bali saw 6.3 million tourists visit in all of 2019, but in the first nine months of 2021, the island only saw 43 travellers.
The 43 foreign visitors weren’t tourists, but were travelling on different visas.
Bali saw a substantial boom since the 1990s, with mass tourism transforming the agricultural island into a massive holiday hub, with tourism accounting for 50 per cent of Bali’s economy.
However, the pandemic saw 700,000 workers lose their jobs, become furloughed, leave the labour force or reduce working hours.
Some businesses tried to offset losses by catering to domestic tourists. Hotels offered reduced-price stays for Indonesians wanting to work from the beach, but hotel occupancy was less than 10 per cent in September, according to government statistics.
Bali’s economy dropped 9.3 per cent in 2020, compared to Indonesia’s overall 2 per cent drop, and more than 30,000 people have fallen into poverty.
The arrival of the Omicron variant tempered hopes that Bali could begin to reopen as normal.
Indonesia reopened to tourists from certain countries in mid-October, but required a five-day quarantine after arrival, which was later reduced to three days.
With the new variant, Indonesia is mandating a seven-day quarantine for foreign tourists.
No international flights have arrived in Bali with foreign tourists since the reopening, according to a spokesman for Bali’s international airport.
Bali governor, Wayan Koster, when asked about the Omicron variant said the government is vigilant about the emergence of new variants, and that COVID-19 conditions abroad “will certainly impact the effort to revive tourism”.
Bali isn’t alone in its COVID-related tourism struggles.
In Venice, government data shows the city welcomed around 60 per cent fewer tourists in June and July this year, compared to the same time period in 2019.
New Zealand’s tourism is down 95 per cent with their strict border closures.
Roughly two dozen countries, including Thailand, Fiji, Jamaica and the Philippines, counted on travel for more than 20 per cent of their pre-pandemic annual gross domestic product, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Thailand is currently facing its worst economic downturn in decades, in part due to the lost tourism revenue.
A poll of travel experts by the World Tourism Organization found that 45 per cent didn’t expect international tourism to return to pre-pandemic levels in their country until 2024 or later.
The US Travel Association forecasts that international arrivals to the U.S. won’t recover to 2019 levels until 2025.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
bali Bali Tourism bali tourist Omicron Variant U.S. Travel Association world travel & tourism councilLatest News
Alluna Motel, Armidale undergoes reimagining with Choice Hotels Asia-Pac
A little bit of country comfort is fine, but we like our modern conveniences, and a little style as well.
Ingenia Holiday Parks powers its very own EV Superhighway throughout NSW
Ingenia Holiday Parks has started plans to make it easier for electric vehicle drivers to explore Australia’s east coast with their expanded EV charging network. By the end of 2024, Ingenia Holiday Parks will have installed 44 new EV charging ports across 11 of its parks, enabling seamless travel from Brisbane in Queensland to Eden […]
Warrawong on the Darling’s new ownership and summer savings
Outback holiday retreat, Warrawong on the Darling, has new owners marking a new era for the cabin, van and camping park near Wilcannia, and released savings for summer stays and a free roast dinner on Christmas Day. Nestled by a pristine billabong on the Darling River and surrounded by sand dunes, far horizons, rugged open […]
Visit Sunshine Coast, Jetstar host Kiwi trade partners ahead of JQ Auckland-Maroochydore launch
Visit Sunshine Coast’s trade and international manager, Emily Zinowki, treated Auckland trade partners to a hosted lunch alongside Jetstar New Zealand. The lunch was in celebration of the imminent launch of the new JQ Auckland to Maroochydore direct service on 13 December. The year-round direct flights between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast are a first […]
Celebrity Cruises opens new 2026/27 sailing bookings
Celebrity Cruises has opened bookings for its exciting new 2026/27 sailings, including the Grand Voyage, a 110-night journey, and the longest without repeating ports for Celebrity. Aussies will be able to book fan favourite Celebrity Solstice as she returns to Australia in the 2026/27 season as part of Celebrity Cruises’ Grand Voyage. When they aren’t taking […]
ASIC to sue REX over allegations of deceptive and misleading conduct
What's that? An Aussie airline in legal trouble again... You guessed it.
ICC Sydney team and social impact initiative triumphs at ABEA inaugural awards
Top of the tree at an inaugural awards event? Great work again from the ICC Sydney team.
Heritage Line launches 2025 early bird discount
Boutique river cruise operator, Heritage Line, has launched an early bird discount with up to US$200 (around AU$313) off on bookings for 2025. The offer is available until 31 December, making it ideal for those planning to gift a trip to someone for the holidays or for those ready to plan their 2025 vacations. The […]
Tragedy at Bali’s Ubud Monkey Forest as tree collapse kills two
A freak event claimed the lives of two tourists at the popular Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali on Tuesday afternoon local time when a large tree branch collapsed. A 32-year-old French woman and a 42-year-old Korean woman were fatally injured. At around 12:30 pm a sudden storm with strong winds and heavy rain arrived with […]
Minor Hotels expands local portfolio with Brisabane’s Queen’s Wharf Residences
This edgy new landmark in Brisbane skyline caps off a big year for the not-so-Minor Hotels group.
Fiji Airways launches new, longest and first-ever direct service to DFW in Airbus A350
Are you a fan of long flights? We don't want any answers from those who turn left...
Taylor Swift closes largest grossing music tour ever, providing huge global tourism boost
With these kind of figures, Swift is a welcome guest!
Ignite Travel Group agents say Aloha with Hawaiian Airlines famil
From surfing to hiking and the odd cocktail (we're sure), Hawaii is a bucket list famil destination for many!
Tourism in Asia and the Pacific reaches 85% of 2019 levels
One billion people travelled the world so far this year! Expect the pointy end of 2024 to get hectic.
Dorchester and Cathay Pacific advisor promotion winners enjoy luxury fam in Rome and Milan
Winners of a Dorchester Collection and Cathay Pacific travel advisor promotion enjoyed a luxury fam in Roma and Milan where they were wined and dined before enjoying a stopover in Hong Kong. The winners, Hema Desai (Spencer Travel), Ani Aladjadjian (ATPI), Mimi Romijn (Wentworth Travel), Emma Neely-Bartlett (Travel Beyond Group), Nicole Reber (Mosman Travel), Steve […]
Virgin Australia reveals tips for smooth travel as it prepares for record breaking summer season
Our tip for ensuring smooth travel is simple, go solo!
Microsoft: Aussies rack up over half a billion hours in holiday season prep
If you are a travel agent, now is the time to pitch your services!
Mackay Airport flying high for festive season
Mackay is hot right now and expected to get hotter with more Virgin flights to Brisbane.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham adds two to Destination NSW Board
The end-of-year appointments keep rolling in!
Aussie legend Mick Fanning teams up with Airbnb and his Gold Coast SLSC for summer stay
They assure us this is NOT a competition, but we expect the site to crash around 9:58am AEST (NOT AEDT) next Wednesday.
Aviation earmarked as key issue by tourism carbon emission study, entire industry well behind key measures
It doesn't really come as a surprise, but some of the numbers sure are alarming.
Australians urged not to travel to Syria due to risks of kidnapping and air strikes
With the airport now shut, Aussies are being warned to stay clear of Syria given the volatile situation.
Crowne Plaza announces refurbishment of Sydney Airport property
Missed that flight - again! Then here's a place to rest your head, just make sure to set your alarm for AM.
Now THAT’S a wash! Destination British Columbia creates world’s first-ever immersive car wash
I mean...it definitely beats using a bucket and sponge outside the front of the house.
For guests in search of something different – Back-Roads Touring
After travelling with Back-Roads ourselves, we can confirm the merits of the road less travelled.
Jetstar launches Christmas Sale with 140,000 fares from $35
Who needs dinner for two when you can do flights to Byron for two for less?
What is Australia’s busiest airport and travel times during the festive period?
If you are travelling through Sydney Airport this Christmas don't forget your suitcase, passport and resilience.
Cruiseabout celebrates opening of fourth store at BNE’s Westfield Carindale
Four times lucky, isn't that how the four leaf clover works?
Lee Ho Fook chef Victor Liong adds another chapter with new offering Singapore’s Quenino Artyzen hotel
Melbourne chef Victor Liong, of the two-hatted Lee Ho Fook, has added to his culinary storytelling with Quenino by Victor Liong, in Singapore’s Artyzen hotel, where contemporary Asian cuisine is served with a relaxed fine-dining flair. Artyzen Singapore emerged from an iconic Singapore heritage landmark that was once the sprawling tropical-garden mansion named “Villa Marie” […]
ATIA and Australian Travel Education to pursue individual paths
We look forward to new announcements for much-needed travel trade education programs next year. Where do we sign up?
Japan’s Nagano region looks to attract more tourists during the warmer months
We've tried the icy side of Japan's Nagano, but old knees make spring/summer look increasingly attractive.
Cruise Traveller launches special two-week cruise through the Adriatic with Atlas Ocean Voyages
We think they call these epicurean cruises 'walk on, roll off'.
Tolpuddle Vineyard opens Tasting Room in Coal River Valley
Tolpuddle Vineyard is opening its Tasting Room at their Coal River Valley property in Richmond, Tasmania, this Friday, 13 December. The Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room, managed by Pip Anderson, previously general manager of hospitality at Mona, will be open from Friday to Monday, 11am to 5pm with appointments available online. Visitors can taste a flight […]
Air Tahiti Nui celebrates big wins with 2025 APEX awards and Cash & Miles Program
Air Tahiti Nui has again been recognised for service to travellers being honoured with the prestigious Five Star Major Airline title for the 7th consecutive year. Announced at the APEX/IFSA Awards 2025 ceremony, the ranking is based on passenger reviews of over one million flights and 600 airlines. The flagship carrier of The Islands of […]
The future is here! Travel DAZE is back for 2025
Check out all the details for the 2025 Travel DAZE here! It is not one to miss!
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group set to sign two iconic European hotels by early 2025
Whether you like your caffeine from a classy Parisian cafe, or a hazy Dutch coffee shop, Mandarin has you covered.