DENPASAR, Bali – Claims of a Bali tourism decline circulating on social media ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays were rejected by Bali Governor Wayan Koster, who said the narrative is misleading and not supported by official data.

Speaking after a plenary session at the Bali Regional House of Representatives, Koster said tourist arrivals to Bali are showing a positive trend based on data compiled by airport authorities and the provincial tourism office.

“That information is false. I have the data. The total number of arrivals is increasing every day,” Koster said.

According to the governor, Bali is currently receiving an average of around 17,000 foreign tourists per day. Cumulative international arrivals from January through December 16, 2025, have reached approximately 6.7 million visitors, up from 6.3 million recorded during the same period last year.

With about two weeks remaining before the end of the year, Koster said he is confident Bali will meet its target of 7 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025.

Responding to complaints from tourism transport operators who reported fewer passengers in recent weeks, Koster attributed the slowdown to extreme weather conditions rather than a drop in visitor numbers.

“It is the rainy season, with flooding in several areas. Many tourists are choosing to stay indoors instead of traveling around,” he said.

Heavy rainfall across parts of Bali has altered tourist behavior, particularly reducing demand for outdoor activities and transportation services, even as airport arrival figures remain stable.

Koster also dismissed viral social media posts suggesting a Bali tourism decline, including comparisons of aircraft arrivals between Bali and destinations such as Thailand, saying such comparisons oversimplify tourism trends and risk spreading misinformation.

Overall, the provincial government maintains that Bali’s tourism ecosystem remains strong, although seasonal weather conditions at the end of the year have affected certain segments of the tourism services sector.

Tourism officials noted that seasonal rainfall typically affects outdoor mobility during the final months of the year, temporarily reducing activity for transport operators and tour providers. However, they stressed that arrival numbers remain the primary indicator of tourism performance. Authorities have urged visitors and businesses to prioritize safety during the wet season while maintaining confidence in Bali’s long-term tourism outlook.