From next year, tourists will have to pay a fee of US$10 (nine euros) per person when entering the Indonesian holiday island of Bali. According to the tourism authority, the money is to be used mainly for environmental and cultural protection programs on the island, as announced in a circular on Thursday. Bali is best known for its magnificent rice terraces, Hindu temples and beaches for visitors from all over the world.
The fee will be collected directly at the airport or seaport from January 1, 2024. Tourists are requested to keep their receipt and relevant sticker until they leave Bali. “With this policy, we aim to raise the awareness and responsibility of foreign tourists to participate in protecting Bali’s environment and culture,” said Putu Astawa, director of the tourism office.
The island of dreams has recently made headlines with the misconduct of uninhibited tourists. Some were even deported after posing nude on the sacred Agung volcano and other holy sites. The provincial governor, Wayan Koster, then announced tough measures. Last week, he said he wants to make Bali a destination for quality tourism and demanding guests who respect the local culture.
Before the corona pandemic, the island with around 4.2 million inhabitants received more than 6.2 million foreign tourists every year – but afterwards the important tourism industry almost completely stopped. Since the end of the pandemic, the flow of visitors has increased sharply again.