Bali Tourism Achieves $19.2 Million from Foreign Tourism Levy, Paving Way for Sustainable Growth and Cultural Conservation
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Bali’s tourism sector has marked a new milestone by successfully collecting 318 billion rupiah (approximately US $19.2 million) through the Foreign Tourism Levy (Pajak Wisata Asing or PWA) in 2024, surpassing the initial target of 250 billion rupiah. This levy, charged to foreign visitors either via the official We Love Bali app or at airport counters, has become a vital source of funding to support the island’s commitment to sustainability, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation.
A Strategic Initiative for Sustainable Tourism
The introduction of the Foreign Tourism Levy is a key element in Bali’s comprehensive strategy to manage the impacts of tourism while safeguarding the island’s environmental health and cultural heritage. Given tourism is a cornerstone of Bali’s economy, this levy establishes a balanced framework for responsible growth, ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend to the local community and ecology.
Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, Head of Marketing at the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, emphasized that revenue from the levy is being channeled directly into critical sectors — notably environmental protection and cultural preservation. One major environmental focus is the enhancement of Bali’s waste management system, especially at the Suwung landfill, which is one of the largest waste disposal sites on the island. The funds help improve waste collection, processing, and disposal methods, aiming to mitigate the detrimental effects of increased tourism activity.
Preserving Bali’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Beyond environmental efforts, the levy also supports Bali’s vibrant cultural scene. The funds underpin traditional Balinese performances, particularly those showcased during the annual Bali Art Festival, and provide financial aid to local artist communities. By reinvesting tourism revenues into cultural initiatives, the government ensures that Bali’s unique traditions remain a central and respected aspect of the visitor experience, promoting tourism that honors the island’s heritage.
Ambitious Targets for 2025
Buoyed by the success of the levy in 2024, the Bali government has raised the bar, setting a new collection target of 325 billion rupiah for 2025 — a substantial 30% increase over the previous year’s target. This reflects strong confidence in the levy’s role in enhancing Bali’s tourism ecosystem and in advancing sustainable development goals.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster outlined a clear vision for the future allocation of the levy funds, emphasizing further development of Balinese culture alongside environmental sustainability. The plan highlights cultivating quality tourism that equally benefits local residents and visitors.
Developing Traditional Villages for Sustainable Tourism
A notable component of the 2025 strategy is the development of Bali’s traditional villages, which have successfully preserved their ancient customs and lifestyles. The government intends to transform these villages into tourism destinations through financial support—allocating 300 million rupiah per village to improve infrastructure and visitor services while preserving cultural authenticity.
Additionally, funding will be directed to the Council of Traditional Villages, the key organization entrusted with safeguarding Bali’s cultural heritage. Through such investments, Bali aims to nurture cultural tourism in a manner that ensures local communities flourish sustainably amid the tourism boom.
Enhancing Levy Collection Efficiency and Transparency
Despite the promising outcomes, challenges remain in optimizing the levy’s collection process. Governor Koster has instituted the PWA Monitoring and Implementation Team, headed by Putu Winastra, Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali Chapter. The team’s primary goals include improving payment control, securing real-time data on tourist arrivals, and promoting transparent management of the levy funds.
Winastra stressed the importance of accurate, real-time data on visitors to align levy collection with actual tourism flows and ensure equitable resource distribution. Transparency in the use of funds is another crucial aspect: tourists who contribute should be well informed on how their money supports Bali’s environment and culture, thereby fostering trust and encouraging continued contributions.
Furthermore, discussions with the Indonesian central government are underway to appoint an independent third-party entity to oversee levy collection. This measure is expected to increase accountability and reinforce the credibility of the program.
A Model for Responsible Tourism
The successful implementation of the Foreign Tourism Levy is the product of a collaborative partnership involving the local government, tourism industry stakeholders, and the community. Bali’s proactive approach sets an example for other destinations grappling with overtourism challenges.
By prioritizing environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and sustainable infrastructure development, Bali is positioning itself as a global leader in responsible tourism. This initiative ensures that the island’s tourism economy thrives without compromising its unique identity or natural environment.
As Bali continues to attract travelers worldwide, its dedicated efforts toward sustainability and cultural integrity will be essential in shaping the future of tourism on the island, ensuring a harmonious balance between growth and preservation.
For more updates on Bali tourism and travel news, stay tuned with Travel And Tour World.
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