From next year, tourists will have to pay a fee of ten US dollars (nine euros) per person when entering the Indonesian holiday island of Bali. According to the tourism authority, the money should be used primarily for programs to protect the environment and culture 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 seaports from January 1, 2024. Holidaymakers must keep the receipt and a relevant sticker until they leave Bali. “With this policy, we aim to raise foreign tourists’ awareness and responsibility to take part in protecting Bali’s environment and culture,” said Putu Astawa, director of the tourism office.
The dream island had recently made headlines with the misconduct of uninhibited tourists. Some have even been deported after posing nude on the sacred Agung volcano and other sacred sites. Provincial governor Wayan Koster then announced tough measures. Last week he said he wants to make Bali a destination for quality tourism and discerning guests who respect the local culture.
Before the corona pandemic, the island with around 4.2 million inhabitants had received more than 6.2 million foreign holidaymakers every year – but then the important tourism industry came to an almost complete standstill. Since the end of the pandemic, the flow of visitors has increased sharply again.
