Bali Hotels Target Tourists from Malaysia to Japan to Replace Middle East Market

KOMPAS.com - The conflict between the United States (US) and Israel with Iran has led to a decline in Middle East tourist arrivals due to flight disruptions. Currently, the Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, I Gusti Agung Rai Suryawijaya (ARS), says that the number of Middle East guests staying at Bali hotels has not fallen, but there has also been no increase. “Usually guests from the Middle East, America, and Europe are good [performing]. Now, when this market is disrupted, of course we have a strategy to promote and replace the Middle East market,” ARS said when contacted by Kompas.com, Wednesday (4/3/2026). Among them are guests from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. “We will push like that, but I also hope European guests as well. If Bali cannot be accessed via Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai, it could also be via China or Taipei,” ARS said. However, ARS does not deny that the travel duration could become longer because travellers may need to make two layovers to avoid Middle East airspace affected by the US-Iran conflict. Regarding the Middle East market specifically, their share accounts for seven percent of Bali’s total foreign visitors. Speaking about quality, Middle East tourists rank at the top in terms of spending patterns, including shopping, length of stay, and behaviour while in Bali. “An immediate peace agreement is needed because war will cause destruction and also revenge, harming our economy. This will have global effects, as prices will be unstable soon,” he concluded.