International tourist arrivals to Bali, Indonesia, have increased by 10-15% amidst the escalating border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, which turned into open conflict on July 24.
The military tension between Thailand and Cambodia is causing international tourists to alter their plans, shifting from traditional destinations like Bangkok and Siem Reap to Bali, Indonesia’s renowned resort island.
According to the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI), tourist arrivals in Bali have seen a 10-15% increase in recent days as travelers seek safer destinations in the wake of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, which has displaced hundreds of thousands and resulted in dozens of deaths.
“Bali is considered a safe destination, so many tourists have chosen this island instead of continuing their journey to Thailand,” said I Gusti Agung Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, Deputy Chairman of PHRI in Bali.
Perry Markus, Secretary-General of PHRI, noted that tourists will choose places where they feel comfortable, and he sees this as an opportunity for Bali to extend the average length of stay for international visitors.
Bali is currently in its peak season but still has many vacant rooms. With over 160,000 hotel rooms, the current occupancy rate is around 70-80%.
However, Bali officials also caution the tourism industry against complacency. “Just because there’s a crisis elsewhere doesn’t mean tourists will automatically flock to Indonesia,” stated Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, Chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Association’s Bali branch.
Bali has also recently faced challenges with an increase in foreigner-related crime. Authorities are tightening controls on long-term visitors and illegal accommodations to prevent the island from becoming a hotspot for transnational crime. Additionally, tourists are advised to be cautious when participating in extreme sports activities after a series of accidents.
Furthermore, Bali is currently warning of a potential rabies outbreak this summer in popular international tourist areas such as South Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Tanjung Benoa, following the detection of numerous cases of rabies-positive stray dogs.
Since early July, officials have launched a large-scale vaccination campaign for community dogs. “The number of dog bite incidents is not high, with only one or two cases reported per village, but the worrying aspect is the bushy terrain which allows stray dogs to multiply,” said Anak Agung Istri Brahmi Witari, acting head of the veterinary division at the Badung Agriculture and Food Agency.
The Bali Health Agency advises tourists visiting the island to exercise caution, avoid contact with wild animals, and immediately seek medical attention if bitten or scratched.
In the first half of 2025, Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport welcomed 11.4 million passengers, a slight increase compared to the same period last year.
According to SCMP
