
Why Bali Is No Longer Just a Beach Holiday: The Rise of Culture-Centred Travel
New data from travel sites and recent industry reporting show a clear shift: tourists travelling to Bali and across the Asia-Pacific are increasingly searching for personalised, culturally immersive, meaningful stays rather than standard resort getaways. As holiday-home and private villa searches surge, and as Airbnb partners with UNESCO to launch a Bali Cultural Guidebook and cultural ambassador programme, Bali is reimagining how it offers experiences. The island is steering visitors toward local stories, lesser-known villages, and community-led culture. In doing so, stakeholders hope to balance economic growth with heritage preservation, giving travellers not just a holiday but a connection.