Bali Tourism Tax Levy: One Year On – A Mixed Bag of Success and Challenges
Introduction
Just over a year since the implementation of the Bali Tourism Tax Levy, the initiative aimed at enhancing the protection of Balinese culture and nature while improving tourism infrastructure faces significant challenges. Enacted on February 14, 2024, the mandatory tax of IDR 150,000 has raised IDR 317 billion to date. However, the majority of international visitors are either unaware of their obligation or have opted not to pay.
Financial Overview
With over 6.3 million international tourists visiting Bali in 2024, a mere 35% complied with the tax requirement, yielding IDR 317 billion—approximately USD 20 million. Had compliance been universal, the total could have reached IDR 950 billion. Updated data from early 2025 indicates an additional IDR 46.55 billion collected from the tourism tax.
Despite the revenue generated, officials from the Bali Provincial Government have yet to provide concrete details on how these funds will be utilized. Tjok Bagus Pemayun, the Head of the Bali Tourism Office, recently spoke to reporters about strategies to enhance compliance among tourists.
Strategies for Improved Compliance
Pemayun emphasized the need for extensive public awareness campaigns to inform tourists about the tax. He noted, “One of the challenges in implementing this levy is the lack of information amongst tourists. Therefore, socialization will continue to be improved so that this policy can run more effectively.”
In addition to increased outreach efforts, Pemayun plans to expand payment options. Currently, travelers can pay the levy at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, or online through the LoveBali app and website. He expressed optimism that these steps will help bolster revenue from foreign tourist levies throughout the year.
New Payment Requirement for Travelers
In a bid to boost compliance rates, Pemayun announced plans to collaborate with airlines to require tourists to settle the tax before departing Bali. The proposed system stipulates that passengers who have not paid the tourism tax will not be issued a boarding pass. “If it can be paid before arriving in Bali, that’s very good. But if they want to return to their country and have not paid, then they cannot get a boarding pass,” he explained.
Comparisons to Bhutan’s Tourism Model
While efforts to improve the Bali Tourism Tax Levy continue, there have been calls from local leaders to consider implementing a Bhutan-style daily tourism tax. Currently, tourists pay the IDR 150,000 fee only once per visit. In contrast, Bhutan requires travelers to pay a daily sustainable development fee, which some argue is a more effective way to manage tourism.
Proponents of a Bhutan-inspired model note that tourists must first apply for a visa costing USD 40, followed by a USD 100 per day sustainable development contribution. For a ten-day visit, for example, travelers would pay USD 1,000 in fees. However, many Bali leaders feel that such drastic changes to the tourism model could harm the island’s economy. With mass tourism being a significant aspect of Bali’s appeal, there are concerns that implementing high daily visitation fees could deter visitors and negatively impact local businesses.
Conclusion
As plans for educational campaigns and new payment requirements unfold, tourists heading to Bali can expect to see increased advertising about the Tourism Tax Levy. It will be crucial for travelers to stay informed and make the necessary payment—whether through the LoveBali website or at the airport. With the levy applicable to all individuals, including children, each traveler must take responsibility to ensure compliance.
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