Foreign Tourists Advised Against Visiting Bali in 2025

Fodor's, a travel guide publisher from the United States, has included Bali in its "no-visit destinations" list for 2025. In its statement, Fodor's highlights that rapid development driven by overtourism has damaged Bali's natural habitats, eroded its cultural and environmental heritage, and created a major problem referred to as a "plastic apocalypse."

In 2023, data from Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded 5.2 million international tourists visiting Bali, contributing nearly 303,000 tons of plastic waste on the island. Sustainable tourism expert Kristin Winkaffee warned that "overtourism" could threaten the very essence of Balinese life. If unchecked, Bali risks losing its cultural identity.

Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) because of Against Visiting Bali in 2025

This decision severely impacts SMEs, including motorbike rental businesses that rely heavily on tourist inflows. With declining tourist numbers, demand for these services is expected to plummet. For example, rental businesses such as 493 Scooter Rentals, which provide automatic and electric motorbikes, need to adapt to shifts in tourist consumption patterns. However, there is an opportunity for such businesses to embrace sustainable tourism trends by promoting electric vehicles as an eco-friendly alternative.

Government Response and Policies

Because of Foreign Tourists Advised Against Visiting Bali in 2025, the Indonesian government has introduced various measures to address overtourism. One initiative is the implementation of a USD 10 tourism tax per visit starting February 2024. Additionally, efforts are being made to redirect tourists to less-crowded areas like North and West Bali to ease pressure on the densely populated southern region. Infrastructure projects, such as a new toll road connecting northern and southern Bali, are also underway.

Other policies include deporting foreign tourists who violate regulations and launching campaigns to promote responsible tourism. These efforts aim to balance Bali's economic growth with the preservation of its cultural and environmental heritage.

Although the restrictions are intended to protect Bali, their impact on SMEs is substantial. Government support in fostering more sustainable and eco-friendly tourism is crucial to ensure Bali retains its position as a world-class tourist destination while preserving its cultural and natural identity.