Bali Standing in Place of Drifting Backwards?

(3/20/2010)

The Jakarta Post reports a dramatic drop in the length of stay for foreign tourists visiting Bali, down from 13.6 days reported in 2008 to only 8.75 days in 2009.

In practical terms this is a more than 35% decrease in room nights sold by Bali accommodation providers, more than canceling out advances made in Bali in total foreign tourist arrival totals.

In 2009 total arrivals reached 2,229, 945 and increase of 13.26% over 2008 (1,968,892). [See: Bali Arrivals 2009: Predictably Amazing]

In 2009, 67.91% of all foreign tourists emanated from ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific With the exception of the Australian market share of 20.9%, visitors from ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific are "short-term" visitors to Bali.

Spending is also reported to be down. Foreign tourists are spending an average of only US$136.90 per day, some US$12 less than one year before.

Declining average spends and shorter periods spent by tourists in Bali is undermining efforts to grow the island's economy. Bali's economy grew 5.33% in 2009, less than the targeted growth rate of 5.74%. Adding to the pain, Bali's handicraft exports decreased by 2% to US$262.9 million in 2009.