Police will be patrolling the streets of the popular tourist destination. Photo / 123RF
Police will be patrolling the streets of the popular tourist destination. Photo / 123RF
Bali introduced a new tourism tax over a month ago which sees visitors pay NZ$16.30 to enter the popular holiday destination.
The new levy, in place since February 14, is to provide funds to protect Bali’s culture, traditions and local environment.
The systemis expected to generate more than $20 million this year from New Zealand and Australian visitors alone.
“In the future, the collection of [tourist levy] fees in Bali will protect nature and keep it clean and sustainable,” Indonesian Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno said.
“But it also plays a vital role in protecting and promoting Balinese culture, which includes customs, traditions, cultural arts and local wisdom to maintain Bali’s spiritual aura.”
The money generated is “expected to improve Bali’s cultural tourism information services and build quality public transportation infrastructure and facilities”.
Bali introduced a new tourism tax over a month ago which sees visitors pay $16.30 to enter the popular holiday destination. Photo / 123rf
Tourists visiting Bali should be aware that police tourism units will be conducting checks to ensure visitors have paid the levy.
“Inspections will be carried out starting next week, March 26, 2024, to be precise. We will target tourist attractions in Bali including Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beratan and also Tampaksiring,” Tjok Bagus Pemayun, head of the Bali Tourism Department, told the Bali Sun.
Pemayun revealed that just 40 per cent of all foreigners visiting the island have been paying the tax - about 5000 people a day since the fee was introduced. This is why the police force is implementing checks.
Officials will check if foreigners are carrying their tourism tax levy voucher, which is emailed to them from LoveBali following payment.
The voucher shows a QR code that will be inspected by officials, according to the Bali Sun.
