RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Tourism activity in Bali and the Nusa Tenggara region has proven to be a driving force behind regional economic growth, which reached 6.1 percent in the first half of 2026. This growth outpaced the national economic average of 5.29 percent, supported by the high mobility of international and domestic tourists.

Special Staff of the Ministry of Tourism, Apni Jaya Putra, said the tourism sector’s performance during the first six months of 2026 provided an important foundation for strengthening optimism about Indonesia’s economic recovery and growth.

“Data released by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) show that Indonesia’s tourism sector continues to grow solidly amid various global challenges. This is proof that tourism can serve as one of the main drivers of the national economy,” said Apni in a statement issued in Jakarta on Friday, August 7, 2026.

According to BPS data, the number of international tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026 reached 7.45 million, an increase of 5.71 percent compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, domestic tourist trips reached 630.41 million, representing annual growth of 2.71 percent.

This figure was also reported as the highest first-half total since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did the number of visits increase, but average international tourist spending also rose to USD 1,313 per visit, up 6.36 percent from the first half of 2025.

According to Apni, the increase in tourist arrivals and spending had a direct impact on various business sectors, including hospitality, transportation, culinary services, and the creative economy.

“The greater the amount tourists spend, the greater the multiplier effect experienced by the public, particularly MSMEs (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises) and tourism industry players in the regions,” said Apni, as quoted by Antara.

Apni added that the positive trend was also reflected in the rising hotel occupancy rate. In the first half of 2026, hotel occupancy reached 48.2 percent, up from 45.72 percent during the same period the previous year.

“The increase in hotel occupancy shows that tourism activity continues to move forward. This is an indicator that public confidence in traveling is improving,” he said.

He also assessed that the tourism sector had contributed to national economic growth, which stood at 5.29 percent in the first half of 2026. Based on data from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, economic growth in Bali and the Nusa Tenggara region, supported by the tourism sector, reached 6.1 percent.

“This achievement shows that tourism is not merely a supporting sector but has become one of the engines of national economic growth. Therefore, we are optimistic that this positive trend will continue through the end of the year,” he said.

He expressed hope that synergy among the central government, regional administrations, businesses, and the public would continue to be strengthened. This collaboration is expected to make the tourism sector more competitive, attract more tourists, and boost its contribution to economic growth and job creation.

“This positive momentum must be maintained. With strong collaboration, Indonesia’s tourism sector will become increasingly competitive and serve as one of the main pillars on the path toward Golden Indonesia 2045,” said Apni. ***