Bali Tourists Encouraged To Support Local Businesses On Vacations In 2025

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Everyone has a very specific idea about what the perfect vacation would be like. However, the spectrum of vacation dreams can be divided into broad segments.

There are travellers who like to ‘fly and flop’ and there are those you like to get ‘in amongst it’.

Bali wants to encourage more tourists to get out there and explore its incredible culture during their visits.  

Culture and nature are the backbone of the Balinese tourism sector. From the rice terraces of Jatiluwih to Uluwatu Temple and everything in between and beyond, there is so much to explore in Bali in terms of culture and nature.

In fact, the two are incredibly closely linked, and this is due to Balinese cultural philosophies, like Tri Hita Karana, which promotes harmony between people, land, and the spiritual realms. 

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As tourism development in Bali is showing no sign of slowing down, many people are concerned that the island’s heritage is seeing irreparable harm as commercial interests take precedence over cultural conservation.

However, as the first international travelers to visit Bali due to their interest in the province’s unique landscape and cultural heritage, many leaders want to see the tourism sector go back to its roots and are encouraging holidaymakers and tourists to take up the opportunity to get out there and experience it all. 

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Tourism and Economics Professor Prof. Dr. Putu Anom, and Tourism Acadmic Dr Panudiana Khun have been speaking to reporters about their observations of the changing tourism sector in Bali, and shared insights that could help tourists plan a more sustainable and culturally respectful vacation on the island. 

Both of the Bali-based academics are concerned that Bali is seeing an oversupply of tourism development, especially in the tourism accommodation sector. They are concerns that that this will led to an economic crash, sooner rather than later. 

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Prof. Anom told reporters that the competition between travel agencies is also incredibly tight, which risks a race to the bottom line.

He also noted that more and more tourists are planning their own vacations, and organizing every element of their trip independently, and online, which is too having an impact on small and medium-sized local tourism businesses in Bali.

He is also concerned about the number of foreigners who are attempting to work or operate businesses while residing in Indonesia on tourism visas.

Prof Anom explained “there are cases that must be observed. There are tourists who stay in Bali for a long time and who [offer tourism services] to their friends. That must be prohibited, the government must be firm. Tourists who have a tourist visa are not allowed to do business.”

Dr Panudiana Khun told reporters that ‘chaos’ is ensuing across Bali due to weak enforcement of regulations and laws rooted in tourism investment.

Dr Khun explained “There are hotels, beach clubs, and other tourist accommodations that do not have complete permits but are operating. Why is the government letting it happen?”

In 2025 the Bali Tourism Board are on a mission to promote culture, nature and personal connections to both domestic and international tourists.

Speaking to the media in February 2025, the Head of the Bali Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, praised the province for its diversity of travel opportunities and highlights how there is really something for every kind of traveler. 

Pemayun encouraged tourists to seek out Balinese culture and nature during their vacations in 2025. He shared “If you want to enjoy a cold area, of course, there are Kintamani and Bedugul. Or like Chinese tourists who are happy with the beach to find tranquility, it can be found in the Nusa Dua, Sanur, or Kuta area.”

He added “Bali’s strength comes from nature, humans, and culture. These three things have become an extraordinary unity and have differentiated Bali from other regions.”