Bali authorities tighten control over payment of tourist tax

Bali is tightening the rules of the game — tourists will have to shell out more money

Bali is a paradise for beach lovers, but this paradisiacal place is facing serious problems due to the influx of tourists. In February 2024, the island's authorities introduced a mandatory tourist tax for foreign visitors in the amount of about 10 US dollars. The aim is to preserve Bali's unique nature and culture, as well as to improve the tourist infrastructure. However, statistics showed that more than 60% of tourists ignored the new rules and did not pay the levy. The patience of the authorities burst, and they decided to impose order.

Tough measures for evaders

Acting Governor of Bali Sang Mada Mahendra Jaya said that ignoring the laws of the island will no longer work. At a press conference, he proposed serious sanctions for those who evade paying tax, up to and including fines and imprisonment. “We cannot allow tourists to ignore our rules. This tax is crucial for preserving our culture and environment,” the governor emphasized.

Increased control

Bali authorities have now strengthened controls at popular tourist spots and airports. Tourists who don't have a QR code confirming the payment of the tax are asked to pay it on the spot. This measure has already increased the collection of the levy, but, according to the authorities, it is not enough. “We are considering introducing fines of up to 1 million rupees (about $65) for those who fail to pay the tax. In case of repeated violations, they could even face deportation,” said a spokesman for Bali's tax department.

Where the money is going

The money raised has already started to be used for various projects to preserve the island's unique nature and culture. “We are building new sewage treatment plants, restoring temples and training locals in traditional handicrafts. All of this is made possible thanks to the tourist tax,” said a spokesman for Bali's culture department.

Hospitality with reservations

Bali authorities emphasize that the island is still open and hospitable to tourists. However, guests must now contribute to the preservation of this unique place. “We just want guests to contribute to the preservation and development of our island,” said the governor. Tourists are advised to pay the tax online before arriving on the island to avoid possible problems. But if this has not been done in advance, the levy can be paid at the airport or port upon arrival.

Global trend

The introduction of tourist tax in Bali is part of a global trend. Many popular tourist destinations around the world are introducing such levies to cope with the problems caused by mass tourism and to preserve the environment. Tourism experts believe that strict enforcement of the tax may temporarily reduce the flow of tourists to Bali. However, in the long run, it will help preserve the island's unique nature and culture, which will attract more responsible travelers. “Bali is not just a beach resort, it is a place with a rich culture and ecosystem. A tourist tax is an investment in the future of the island,” commented a professor of tourism at Udayana University.

Preserving Bali for future generations

Bali authorities urge tourists to be sympathetic to the new rules. Payment of the tax is a contribution of each guest to the preservation of this unique place for future generations. Bali is famous not only for its beaches, but also for its rich cultural heritage. The impact of mass tourism is jeopardizing the island's ancient traditions and crafts. The funds collected from the tourist tax will help preserve and revitalize many elements of Balinese culture. “We train locals in traditional crafts such as woodcarving, weaving and batik. These skills have been passed down from generation to generation, but have become gradually forgotten due to the influence of modern life,” says a representative of the culture department.

Environmental challenges

In addition to cultural heritage, Bali faces serious environmental challenges. The huge amount of waste produced by the tourism industry is damaging the island's fragile ecosystem. “We are building new state-of-the-art waste treatment facilities and recycling systems. This will significantly reduce the negative impact of tourism on Bali's environment,” said a spokesman for the environmental department. Part of the funds from the tax will also be used to restore coral reefs and protect marine life that suffers from pollution.

Infrastructure repair and modernization

The tourism boom has overloaded Bali's infrastructure. Roads, airports and other facilities are in urgent need of modernization. The funds raised will allow for the necessary works to make tourists' stay on the island more comfortable. “We plan to expand the airport, repair roads and improve the public transportation system. This will make it easier for both tourists and locals to get around,” said a spokesman for Bali's infrastructure department.

Educating local people

Part of the funds from the tourist tax will be used for educational programs for locals. This will train them in new skills in tourism and hospitality so they can provide better services to tourists. “We want Balinese to work in the best hotels and restaurants, be guides and tour guides. To do this, we need to upgrade their skills to meet the modern standards of the tourism industry,” explained a spokesperson from the education department.

Funds from the tax will also go to support Bali's small villages and communities that depend on tourism. This will help develop local infrastructure, create jobs and preserve traditional ways of life. “Tourism should not only benefit big companies, but also local people. We want them to feel like full participants in the process,” said the Governor of Bali.

Control and transparency

The island authorities assure that the spending of funds from the tourist tax will be under strict control and in full transparency. For this purpose, a special commission has been created with the participation of members of the public and independent experts. “We understand the importance of trust of tourists and local residents. Therefore, every step in the use of these funds will be carefully monitored and covered in the media,” the governor promised.

Overall, the introduction of a tourist tax in Bali is an important step towards more responsible and sustainable tourism. The island's authorities urge visitors to be sympathetic to the new regulations and see paying the tax as a contribution to preserving the unique nature and culture of the place. “Bali is a precious gift that we must safeguard for future generations. The tourist tax will help us do this and we look forward to the support and understanding of our guests,” concluded Bali's governor.