Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — Bali Tourism Office (Dispar) plans to launch a travel pattern initiative in 2025 to redistribute tourist flows across the island and reduce overcrowding in the southern regions.
Head of Bali’s Tourism Office, Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, said the travel pattern program is being developed in collaboration with Udayana University and the Association of Indonesian Travel Companies (Asita) Bali.
“We’ve communicated with Asita, and now it’s their task to promote this initiative to their partners. We hope the travel pattern will be officially launched next year,” Pemayun said at the Bali Tourism Office on Thursday, December 25, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
While Bali does not face overtourism, Pemayun noted that the concentration of tourists and infrastructure in the southern areas—including Badung Regency, Denpasar City, and Gianyar Regency—creates significant congestion.
“Bali is not experiencing overtourism, but it suffers from an over-concentration of activities in the south. Traffic jams, business operations, and large-scale developments are all centered in South Bali,” he explained.
Pemayun added that efforts to address this imbalance include advocating for a continued moratorium on hotel and villa construction in southern Bali and finalizing the travel pattern strategy.
Bali Tourism
The initiative aims to highlight tourism opportunities in other parts of the island, including West Bali (Jembrana Regency), North Bali (Buleleng and Tabanan Regencies), and East Bali (Klungkung, Bangli, and Karangasem Regencies).
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has also introduced the “3B” tourism package—Banyuwangi, West Bali, and North Bali—which connects tourist destinations across these regions. Additionally, the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) continues to serve as a platform for promoting these alternative destinations.
Pemayun emphasized that Bali serves as a tourism locomotive, capable of distributing tourist visits to less-explored regions. European countries have successfully implemented similar strategies, and Bali aims to follow suit.
Researchers Discover New Crayfish Species in Papua, Indonesia
However, Pemayun acknowledged that South Bali’s accessibility and infrastructure remain significant advantages. The proximity to Ngurah Rai International Airport, abundant dining options, and a mix of natural, cultural, and artificial attractions make it an attractive choice for tourists.
“Everything is easier in South Bali—access, hotels, food, and attractions. But we are now working to develop similar offerings in West, North, and East Bali,” Pemayun concluded.
The initiative aims to create a more balanced tourism experience across the island, ensuring sustainable growth and preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage.
(Raidi/Agung)
