Why the Next Wave of Tourism Is Bigger Than Just Travel
In June 2025, an announcement at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport quietly signaled the next chapter in the island’s global journey. Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed that three foreign airlines; TUI Airways (UK), Jetstar Australia, and an airline from Sichuan, China are preparing to launch new direct flight routes to Bali.
No exact launch dates have been revealed. But the message is clear that interest in Bali isn’t slowing down, in fact, it’s gaining momentum. Assistant Deputy for Foreign Tourism Marketing II, Yulia, stated that the target for foreign tourist visits to Indonesia is expected to be accelerated. The government has set ambitious goals, with between 14.6 and 16 million international tourists expected to arrive in 2025. Many of them will enter through Bali, the crown jewel of Indonesian tourism.
How Tourism Shapes Property
Tourism in Bali is evolving into something bigger, with ripple effects that extend far beyond airport arrivals or hotel bookings. It's changing the way people see the island, how they experience it, and ultimately, how they choose to live and invest here.
From January to April 2025 alone, Bali welcomed more than 2 million international travelers by air. That figure accounts for nearly two-thirds of all foreign air arrivals into Indonesia, underscoring Bali's position not just as a vacation hotspot, but as the entry point for global tourism.
But here's where things start to shift: these travelers aren’t just passing through for a quick holiday. More and more are choosing to stay longer. Some extend their vacations. Others return multiple times a year. A growing number, particularly remote workers and early retirees, end up calling Bali home for months at a time.
And that change in behavior has a direct impact on property. When tourism grows, so does demand, not just for hotels, but for short-term rentals, co-living spaces, serviced villas, and even long-term homes. The lines between tourist and tenant are blurring, and property owners who understand this trend are the ones seeing the biggest returns.
Tourism is no longer just about sightseeing. It’s about lifestyle. And that lifestyle is shaping what people look for on a property; flexibility, comfort, quality, and a sense of belonging. This is where the opportunity lies for forward-thinking investors and owners. By recognizing how deeply tourism is intertwined with real estate, you're not just hosting guests, you’re meeting evolving expectations and tapping into an entirely new market of modern, mobile residents.
Investment Opportunities
At Betterplace, we’ve always believed that the tourism industry and the real estate market are intrinsically linked. A new flight route is a signal; new travelers, new habits, and new demands.
Here’s how we’re helping property owners and investors adapt:
1. Short-Term Rental Optimization
Every new route brings new demographics. From families to digital nomads, we help owners adjust pricing, marketing, and positioning, so they’re ready for emerging audiences before they even land.
2. Premium Property Management
With increased traffic comes higher expectations. Guests now expect global hospitality standards, even in a private villa. We ensure each property delivers, with consistent maintenance, guest communication, and five-star cleanliness.
3. Long-Term Value for Investors
Not everyone leaves after a week. With Bali’s improved accessibility, more travelers are staying longer. We match them with the right homes and create hassle free, revenue-generating arrangements for property owners.
Bali Leading the Way in Indonesia’s Tourism Growth
According to the Tourism Ministry, the new flight routes aren’t just about Bali, they're part of a larger vision to spread tourism across Indonesia. Destinations like Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and Yogyakarta are gaining attention, as travelers look beyond Bali for new experiences. And with improved connectivity, investors are looking beyond the usual hotspots of Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud.
At Betterplace, we’re already seeing this shift. From Tabanan’s serene rice fields to Uluwatu’s mesmerizing coastlines. These areas, once considered off the beaten path, are quickly becoming some of the most promising places for property investment and long-stay experiences.
What’s Next?
Even though the airlines haven’t set their launch dates yet, smart property owners aren’t sitting around waiting. They’re getting their villas ready, reaching out to new types of guests, and teaming up with property managers like Betterplace to make sure their homes aren’t just ready but fully booked and earning top reviews.
If you’ve been thinking about investing in Bali, or if you already own a place and want to get the most out of it, now is the perfect moment to take action. Let Betterplace guide you in turning Bali’s expanding flight connections into real, profitable opportunities. After all, when tourism grows, so does the value of your property.
