Australian low-cost airline Jetstar has carried more than 1.1 million customers between Australia and Bali since borders reopened 12 months ago. Now the budget airline is tipping passenger numbers to further increase again this year.
Strong demand for the holiday hot spot, combined with Jetstar fares which have in as low as AUD$99 in the past year, has seen Bali quickly reclaim its crown as the airline’s most popular international destination.
Further increase in Bali demand predicted
In 2023, Bali is expected to be even more popular, with Jetstar forecasting a 10 per cent increase in demand compared to its pre-COVID record levels.
Jetstar currently operates up to 70 return flights a week to Bali from seven Australian cities, and has recently boosted capacity from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Jetstar Group CEO, Steph Tully, said it’s no surprise Bali is still the go-to destination for Aussie holidaymakers.
“A lot has changed in the last 12 months, but one thing that hasn’t is Australians love of Bali and Jetstar’s commitment to offering great value low fares,” Ms Tully said.
“Demand for our flights to Bali is booming and we’re on track to carry 10 per cent more passengers between Australia and Bali in 2023 compared to 2019, as customers continue to prioritise travel post-COVID,”
“This is great news for our customers, and also, importantly, for local tourism and hospitality businesses in Bali which were heavily impacted during the pandemic.”
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Tourism Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, said that strong demand has helped the local tourism industry rebound quickly.
“The demand to Indonesia has been rising rapidly, and we are working with airline partners, such as Jetstar, to increase their route and seat capacity at least to pre-pandemic levels,” Ms Marthini said.
“Through our Bali Add-on Destination campaign, we also would like to invite everyone to add one more island on their next visit. A hop away destination such as Labuan Bajo, where the Komodo dragon resides, awaits you.”
Bali as an Aussie tourist hotspot
Bali is an Indonesian island known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
It is a relatively short flight from Australia, with many direct flights available from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
The island has held major appeal for Australian travellers for several decades, given its proximity and relatively low travel costs.
In addition, Bali remains a popular destination for Australian tourists because it offers a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and modern amenities.
The island has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, and offers a variety of activities for tourists, including surfing, scuba diving, yoga, and spa treatments.
The popularity of Bali as an Australian tourist destination can very strongly be attributed to its affordability.
Compared to other popular tourist destinations, such as Europe or the United States, Bali remains relatively inexpensive and geographically accessible, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
