Bali Introduces Tourist Tax to Protect Island

Starting next year, foreign tourists planning to visit the Indonesian island of Bali will have to pay an additional charge. The Governor has declared the introduction of a tourist tax of 150,000 rupiah (9 euros). The revenue generated from this tax will be used to safeguard Bali's culture and environment.

Bali, an Indonesian island, is immensely popular among tourists, and the local authorities aim to capitalize on this popularity. While Indonesian tourists are exempt from this tax, foreigners, even those traveling to Bali from other parts of Indonesia, are not. Last year, approximately 2 million travelers visited Bali, which has a population of over 4 million. The Governor does not anticipate that this measure will deter tourists.

Tourism is crucial for the local economy, but it sometimes becomes a source of annoyance for the Balinese. For years, island residents have complained about tourists who misbehave and show no respect for the local culture. There have been instances where tourists have been expelled from the island for posing nude on sacred mountains. Earlier this year, the authorities also decided to ban tourists from motorcycling in Bali.