Bali Crowned World's #1 Travel Destination for 2026: Leaders Urge Caution

Share The Article Bali has just been named the number one tourism destination in the world in TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Tourism Destinations in 2026. As the travel sector celebrates this massive achievement, tourism leaders in Bali are issuing warnings about complacency. It is no surprise that Bali has been named the number one travel destination in the world in 2026. Having welcomed more than 7 million international tourists in 2025, including hundreds of thousands of people who return year on year to enjoy the island’s outstanding natural beauty, unique culture, and incredible hospitality, Bali really is in a league of its own. The iconic island travel hotspot beat famous capital cities to the prize position, including London, Paris, Rome, and Bangkok. However, as the island celebrates the win, local leaders are calling for the tourism sector not to rest on its laurels. The Head of the Gerindra Faction of the Badung Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), I Wayan Puspa Negara, told reporters this global recognition confirms Bali’s strength lies not only in its natural beauty, but also in its culture, spirituality, and the harmony of its communities. He shared, “Natural beauty is only the gateway. Bali’s true strength lies in the soul of its people, their hospitality, spirit, and authentic Balinese essence.” Nevertheless, Negara wants to ensure that the win serves as an opportunity to once again up its game, and not overlook the very real pressures that both the island as a whole, and the tourism sector face. The island is working through issues around waste management, traffic congestion, accessibility, tourist safety and comfort, as well as foreigners engaging in illegal activity. He explained,” This award should serve as both a wake-up call and an opportunity for comprehensive overhaul, both in physical and non-physical development, including strengthening tourism services and public relations.” In 2025, Bali welcomed an 11% increase in the number of international tourists, for a total of more than 7 million. The island is expected to see yet another increase in arrival figures in 2026, not due to the string of international awards that the province has received in the last 12 months. Negara was keen to highlight how, as the island welcomes more tourists, the concentration of tourism development has to be spread more evenly throughout the province. He explained, “What’s happening isn’t overtourism, but rather overconcentration. Destinations are congested in certain areas, while areas like Jembrana and North Bali haven’t yet experienced the significant impact of tourism.” He concluded, “The world now views Bali with respect. It’s our duty to reciprocate with professional service, world-class facilities, security, and policies that support the preservation of nature and culture.” Negara’s warnings have also been echoed by the Chairman of the Regional Leadership Council (DPW) of the Nawa Cita Pariwisata Indonesia (NCPI) Bali, Agus Maha Usadha, who told reporters, “This award is a mirror, not just a showcase. The world is looking at Bali, not only its beauty, but also how we manage growth, nature, and the future of its people.” He added, “Bali must not become a victim of its own success. We must upgrade from a popular destination to one that is civilized, sustainable, and economically sovereign.” Noting “World’s Best Destination 2026 is not the finish line, but rather a starting point for Bali and Indonesia to prove that cultural preservation, environmental protection, and economic progress can go hand in hand.”