Bali’s Bold Vision For The Future Aiming To Become An International Trade And Transit Powerhouse Like Hong Kong, Singapore, And Kuala Lumpur

Published on December 16, 2025

Bali Sets Its Sights on Becoming a Global Trade and Tourism Hub

Bali, one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations, is now setting its sights on an ambitious transformation – becoming an international trade and transit hub on par with major global cities like Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The island’s leadership is determined to not only maintain its status as a premier vacation spot but to also emerge as a key player in global trade and tourism connectivity.

This strategic initiative took a significant step forward earlier this week, when Bali tourism leaders hosted a business roundtable to discuss future partnerships, connectivity, and the island’s potential to evolve into a true international gateway. The event took place on Wednesday, December 10, at the Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Ngurah Rai Hotel and attracted prominent figures from various sectors of the tourism and business communities.

Key Stakeholders Gather for Future Partnerships

The event was attended by influential stakeholders such as the Bali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) Bali, the Bali Tourism Board, and members of ASITA Bali and Organda. These groups have long been instrumental in shaping Bali’s tourism industry and are now working together to elevate Bali’s position in the global trade and transit landscape.

A notable figure at the roundtable was I Putu Winastra, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Bali. Winastra emphasized the importance of forging stronger business and tourism ties between Bali and Kazakhstan. He confirmed that one of the primary goals of the meeting was to explore the potential of greater business collaboration, particularly through tourism exchanges.

Kazakhstan and Bali: A Growing Partnership

Bali already sees a steady flow of tourists from Kazakhstan, though the numbers are significantly lower than neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. These destinations welcome up to 300,000 tourists annually from Kazakhstan, a stark contrast to Bali’s figures. However, Winastra pointed out that there is a huge untapped potential in the Kazakhstani market, especially since Kazakh tourists are known for their long stays and substantial spending.

“Kazakh tourists tend to stay for more than 10 days and spend considerably more compared to other international travelers,” Winastra explained. The key challenge, however, is the lack of direct flight connectivity between major cities in Kazakhstan, like Almaty and Astana, and Bali. While direct flights to destinations like Thailand and Vietnam already exist, travelers from Kazakhstan have to connect through other countries to reach Bali, which can be a deterrent for potential visitors.

To address this, Winastra, alongside the Kazakh Embassy and Indonesian officials, is pushing for the establishment of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Bali. This would significantly enhance connectivity and allow the tourism sector to benefit from the growing Kazakh market.

Visa-Free Travel and Expanding Flight Networks

In addition to direct flights, Winastra also expressed hope that visa-free travel for Kazakh nationals could be introduced in the future, which would further boost tourism from the region. This idea gained some traction earlier this year when Indonesia granted visa-free travel for South African nationals.

Prior to the pandemic, Bali offered visa-free access to travelers from countries like Australia, which further supports the idea that Bali could potentially open its doors to more tourists with the introduction of visa-free travel for additional countries.

Looking ahead, Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is set to see a significant expansion of its flight network. In 2025 alone, more than a dozen new international and domestic routes will be added, including a new short domestic flight from Denpasar to Jember in East Java.

Expanding Connectivity for Economic Growth

Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, highlighted the importance of these new routes in improving Bali’s overall connectivity. “This route not only strengthens the connection between Bali and East Java but also opens up new opportunities for economic growth,” Shahab said, emphasizing that the expansion would not only benefit tourism but also foster broader regional economic development.

As Bali continues to push for increased international connectivity, the island is set to further cement its position as a top-tier destination. Each new route added to the network enhances Bali’s accessibility, making it even more appealing to tourists and businesses alike.

In conclusion, Bali’s ongoing efforts to transform itself into a global trade and transit hub reflect the island’s commitment to growth and development. With increased connectivity, new partnerships, and strategic initiatives in place, Bali is poised to maintain its status as a world-class destination for both leisure and business travel.