Indonesia’s Bali tops European travel searches amid crackdown on misbehaving foreigners
New data from Agoda shows strong European demand for Indonesian holidays even as Bali steps up efforts to rein in rule-breaking tourists
The report was based on accommodation search data collected for dates spanning July to August, the peak of the European summer holiday season.
“Asia remains the main choice for summer vacations for Europeans,” Gede Gunawan, senior country director of Agoda for Indonesia, told local newspaper The Bali Sun. “And Indonesia continues to be a destination in demand thanks to its rich culture, nature, and hospitality.”
Thailand topped the list overall, with Indonesia ranking second, while Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam rounded out Agoda’s top five destinations in Asia for European travellers.
British tourists led the way in planning trips to Asia, followed by travellers from France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, according to Agoda’s data. Among those specifically eyeing Indonesia, French holidaymakers showed the strongest interest.
Within Indonesia, Bali remains by far the biggest draw for Europeans, topping Agoda’s list of most searched resort destinations. Bangkok and Thailand’s Koh Samui ranked second and third, respectively. The data also pointed to rising interest in other Indonesian destinations, including Lombok and the capital, Jakarta.