ASITA Bali Pushes Bali-Jogja Connectivity, Eyes Central Asian Market
ASITA Bali is promoting stronger air connectivity and joint tour packages between Bali and Yogyakarta to tap into new markets, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia. The group noted that the lack of direct flights currently forces travelers from the region to transit and stay overnight in other countries before reaching Bali.
On October 7, 2026, ASITA (Association of Indonesian Travel Agencies) Bali chapter held a business-matching forum titled "Jogja and Beyond Table Top on Bali" at Bali Dynasty Resort in Denpasar. ASITA Bali chairman I Putu Winastra said Bali and Yogyakarta have complementary tourism strengths: Bali excels in nature, marine, cultural, wellness and lifestyle tourism, while Yogyakarta is known for its history, heritage, arts and traditions.
Foreign tourist arrivals to Bali have reached around 7.05 million, with domestic trips exceeding 9 million, showing a positive trend. However, Winastra noted that increasing length of stay and economic value generated for local communities remains a key challenge.
He identified Central Asiaāparticularly Kazakhstan, with a population of about 20 million, and Uzbekistanāas a market with significant untapped potential. The main obstacle is flight connectivity: travelers from the region currently cannot fly directly to Bali and must transit and stay overnight in other countries first. Winastra said he is working to improve this connectivity, partly through his role as an honorary consul.
The forum also discussed marketing Bali and Yogyakarta as a combined travel circuit, allowing tourists to spend several days in Bali before continuing to Yogyakarta or vice versa. Such cross-destination travel patterns are expected to extend length of stay and distribute economic benefits more widely. Cooperation could include joint promotions, business matching, joint tour packages and cross-destination events.
Winastra emphasized that tourism growth should not be measured by visitor numbers alone, but also by the quality of tourists, length of stay, visitor experience, and economic contribution to local communities, underscoring the growing importance of quality and sustainable tourism.
Things to Consider
Travelers from regions without direct flights to Bali, such as Central Asia, should currently plan for possible transit and overnight stays when booking flights, allowing extra time in their itinerary. Those interested in visiting both Bali and Yogyakarta should check with travel agents for combined tour packages, which may simplify transportation and accommodation arrangements between the two destinations.
Source: BaliNews.id