Overtourism sensitivity and tourism development in Canggu, Bali

Bali stands out as a province prioritising tourism development as a pivotal economic advancement strategy. However, a growing concern associated with this development is the phenomenon of overtourism. This research aims to is to explore local attitudes and sensitivities regarding the discourse on overtourism and the strategic alternatives available for tourism development within their respective villages. The study employs a case study approach focusing on the members of the traditional village (desa adat) of Canggu in the Badung region of Bali. Twenty-two interlocutors, including the traditional chief, religious leaders, farmers, villa and restaurant owners, and members of the village youth association, were carefully selected and interviewed during the fieldwork. The findings reveal that the locals perceive disruptions characteristic of overtourism, such as an influx of long-term foreign tourists, noise pollution, traffic congestion, rapid gentrification, and inter-communal conflicts. Nonetheless, the locals tended to rationalise these events. The research highlights that local attitudes and sensitivities towards overtourism are significantly influenced by economic imperatives, with variations depending on their diverse contextual and socio-economic backgrounds.