Tourism and unrest: Can Bali survive at the cost of its own success? - Academic

Ali, the “Golden Goose” of Indonesia, has become a global tourist magnet due to its lush landscapes, rich culture and welcoming spirit. Tourism has transformed the island into an economic powerhouse, with millions of jobs in hospitality, transport and retail, and a significant contribution to Indonesia’s foreign exchange earnings.

In 2023, Bali welcomed 5.27 million international tourists, representing an increase of 144.61% compared to 2022, but still below the pre-pandemic peak of 6.3 million in 2019, more 80% of the island’s workforce.

Has Bali really succeeded in tourism, or is it simply a victim of its own fame?

Tourism success is often measured by increasing visitor numbers, endless infrastructure and an ever-increasing contribution to the economy. If that is the measure, then yes, Bali certainly triumphed.

But what happens when a destination becomes too complacent about its tourism success? Tourism can be a double-edged sword. Bali’s booming tourism sector comes at a high price: erosion of cultural authenticity, environmental degradation and deepening social inequality.

Ironically, the more successful Bali tourism becomes, the more exposed it is to the volatility of global travel trends and environmental crises. This paradox is exacerbated by Bali’s overwhelming reliance on tourism, leaving the island with little diversification in the face of climate crises. The pandemic has exposed this fragility, with tourism revenues falling by more than 75% in 2020-2021, revealing the unsustainable nature of Bali’s economic model. By putting almost all its eggs in the tourism basket, Bali has not only become vulnerable to environmental disasters, but also risks losing its cultural identity. Can we continue to celebrate this success without confronting the deeper risks it poses to the island’s future?

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