European Cities’ Innovative Approaches to Overtourism May Inspire Bali

In recent years, overtourism has become a significant challenge for popular travel destinations around the globe, including iconic cities in Europe and beautiful islands like Bali. As international travel becomes increasingly accessible, tourist-heavy locations are finding themselves grappling with the adverse effects of large visitor numbers. Notably, Bali’s central southern region is on the verge of reaching overtourism levels, prompting discussions on sustainable tourism solutions that could support both visitors and local communities.

The European Example: Mindful Tourism in Copenhagen

Cities such as Barcelona, Lisbon, the Galapagos Islands, and Boracay are confronting the pressures of overtourism by adopting innovative strategies aimed at fostering a more balanced relationship between tourists and residents. Copenhagen has emerged as a leading model in this regard, having launched the pilot program CopenPay in 2024 to encourage mindful tourism behaviors.

Rikke Holm Petersen, the Director of Marketing at Wonderful Copenhagen, emphasized the program’s goal: “We want tourism to be a force for positive change and not an environmental burden.” The initiative promotes ethical engagement from tourists, fostering a culture of sustainability that can impact the environment and the lives of local residents positively.

CopenPay incentivizes visitors to participate in environmental efforts—such as litter collection and volunteering in community gardens—by offering them free or discounted access to various attractions in the city. Livia Urban Swart Haaland, founder of Oens Have Gardens in Copenhagen, noted that volunteers often leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture, highlighting the benefits of such interactions.

Could Bali Adapt These Strategies?

While the CopenPay program has found success in Denmark, Bali is evaluating how similar ideas could be tailored to reflect its unique cultural and environmental context. In the effort to combat overtourism, the island implemented the Bali Tourism Tax Levy in 2024, requiring international tourists to pay an IDR 150,000 fee upon arrival. This initiative aims to fund projects that nurture the natural environment, preserve local culture, and improve infrastructure across the island.

Despite the good intentions behind the Tourism Tax, the results so far have been mixed. Reports indicate that only around 35% of international arrivals have contributed to this fund during its first year, suggesting there are significant areas for improvement. Issues such as awareness of payment methods, convenience for tourists, and the absence of penalties for non-compliance have hindered the tax’s effectiveness.

Challenges Ahead

Bali’s leaders are openly discussing challenges linked to the Tourism Tax. The requirement for additional payment can be cumbersome for tourists and requires effective strategies to enhance clarity and accessibility. Furthermore, the local government is tasked with ensuring that the funds generated have a meaningful impact on addressing the issues of overtourism, enhancing the local infrastructure, and protecting the island’s rich cultural heritage.

As Bali enters the second year of the Tourism Tax initiative, there is an emphasis on educating visitors about the importance of this contribution. Tourists are advised to pay their taxes prior to arrival or during their stay, and to keep proof of payment accessible in the event of checks by Tourism Task Force Officers.

Conclusion

With the environmental and cultural pressures of overtourism being felt deeply in Bali, the island stands at a critical juncture. The experiences and strategies of cities like Copenhagen present both inspiration and a potential path forward. By fostering a culture of mindful tourism, Bali may find a way to balance the needs of visitors with those of its residents, paving the way for a more sustainable travel future. As communities around the world adapt to an ever-changing travel landscape, the importance of collaboration, awareness, and respect remains paramount for the success of any tourism initiative.

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