Number of visiting foreign tourists to Bali in 2009 is showing significant increase compared to similar period of previous year. Compared backward 2009 is breaking record along the tourism history of Bali. Between January and July 2009, 1,242,297 foreign tourists visited Bali, a 11.87% increase compared to the same period of the previous year.

By continent, Asia-Pacific remains the top feeder, delivering 719,192 tourists which represent 57.98% of the total. Asia-Pacific covers the Asian continent and Pacific islands from Australia to Vanuatu. Representing 55 countries, Europe scores the second position by delivering 310,053 tourists, 25.44% out of the grand total. Representing 11 countries, ASEAN sits at the third position with 136,303 tourists (10.97%). The following boards are occupied by America (32 countries, 62,344 tourists, 5.02%), Africa (42 countries, 6,195 tourists, 0.5%), and Middle East (13 countries, 2,210 tourists, 0.18%).

By country, for the first time since 2002, Australia beats Japan to top the top ten of Bali tourist feeders.Between January and July 2009 Australia sends 227,402 tourists (18.30%) followed by Japan on the 2nd slot with 186,029 tourists (14.97%), and China at the 3rd slot with 116,806 (9.4%). The lower board was occupied by Malaysia (83,809 tourists, 6.75%), South Korea (75,055 (5.96%).

Sementara kalau ditinjau dari Negara asal, untuk pertama kalinya sejak tahun 2002 Australia kembali menduduki posisi pertama dalam 10 besar Negara penyumbangan wisatawan terbanyak ke Bali menggeser Jepang. Pada periode Januari – Juli 2009, jumlah wisman asal Australia yang berkunjung ke Bali tercatat 227.402 orang (18,30 persen), disusul Jepang di posisi ke dua 186.029 orang (14,97 persen), Cina 116.806 (9,4 persen), Malaysia 83.809 orang (6,75 persen), Korea Selatan 74.055 orang (5,96 persen). From America and Europe, France, Germany, and UK stay at the top 10.

Head of Data Processing Department of Bali Tourism Office, Putu Widhiari, said that among the top 10, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea record significant decrease. Occupying the 3rd position last year, this year Taiwan goes down to 6th. After topping the list for the last seven consecutive years, Japan goes to the 2nd place. South Korea also goes down to the 5th from the 4th position in previous year.

Erri Tjendana, President of TMS Tours and Travel, one of the largest tour agent for Oriental market admitted the decrease of Taiwanese and South Korean tourists. The main problem is global crisis, leaving security issue at the inferior reason. Being new industrial country, just like Japan, South Korea and Japan are among the countries with worst effect of global financial crisis.