BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Visitor numbers to the marine tourism area of Tanjung Benoa, South Kuta, Badung, have shown a downward trend, affecting both domestic and international tourist segments.
According to local operators, the decline is most noticeable among visitors from Taiwan and Japan, while arrivals from Europe remain relatively stable compared to last year. Domestic tourist visits have also decreased.
“The sharpest drop is from Taiwanese and Japanese visitors. European tourists are almost the same as last year, but domestic visits are also down,” said I Made Wijaya, also known as Yonda, on Friday afternoon (January 16, 2026). He manages Pandawa Water Sport.
Yonda noted a shift in the composition of international visitors. While Indian tourists previously accounted for around 10 percent or were nearly absent from the market, they now make up approximately 30 percent of water sport visitors in Tanjung Benoa. This change has partially offset the decline from other markets.
He attributed the decrease in domestic tourism partly to central government budget efficiency policies, which have reduced official travel and institutional activities in Bali.
“In the past, many ministry and agency events were held here. Now, due to efficiency measures, those events have decreased,” he said. He suggested that initiatives such as coordinated public holidays or employee outings could help revive visitor numbers.
Yonda also observed that foreign tourists are increasingly spreading out to other destinations in and around Bali, including Nusa Penida, rather than concentrating their visits in Tanjung Benoa.
Despite the current slowdown, he remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for Bali’s marine tourism sector. He said Bali’s cultural heritage, traditions, and unique local character continue to be its strongest attractions.
“I believe visitor numbers will rise again. Bali’s strength lies in its culture and traditions, which must be preserved. With ongoing efforts to address traffic congestion, I am confident tourism will recover,” he said.