Bali Tourism Achieves New Milestone with $19.2 Million Collected from Foreign Tourism Levy, Enhancing Sustainability and Cultural Preservation
June 24, 2025 — Bali’s tourism sector has marked a significant achievement by collecting 318 billion rupiah (approximately US $19.2 million) from the Foreign Tourism Levy (Pajak Wisata Asing, or PWA) in 2024, surpassing the initial target of 250 billion rupiah. This levy, payable by foreign visitors via the We Love Bali app or at select airport counters, serves as a vital funding source dedicated to the island’s environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and tourism infrastructure enhancements.
This initiative plays a crucial role in Bali’s comprehensive approach to managing the impacts of tourism, balancing industry growth with the preservation of the island’s unique culture and natural environment. Given that tourism remains a cornerstone of Bali’s economy, the implementation and success of this levy represent a critical step toward responsible and sustainable tourism development.
Strategic Allocation of Levy Revenue
According to Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, Head of Marketing at the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, the funds collected throughout 2024 have been strategically allocated to several key sectors that underpin Bali’s sustainability objectives. Environmental conservation tops the list, particularly focusing on waste management improvements. Bali’s growing popularity has placed pressure on its waste systems, and the funds are being used to upgrade collection, processing, and disposal infrastructure, with special attention to Suwung landfill, one of the island’s largest waste management facilities.
Preserving Balinese culture remains another major beneficiary of the levy. The revenue supports traditional arts and cultural events such as the annual Bali Art Festival and assists local artist communities. This reinvestment reinforces Bali’s vibrant cultural scene as a central component of the visitor experience, promoting tourism that honors and respects the island’s heritage.
Due to the levy’s success in 2024, the Bali government has set an ambitious new target for 2025 to collect 325 billion rupiah, a 30% increase over the previous year’s goal. This upward revision reflects confidence in the program’s impact and the government’s commitment to enhancing Bali’s tourism ecosystem.
Focus on Culture and Eco-Tourism for Future Development
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has outlined clear priorities for the use of PWA funds in 2025, emphasizing the dual objectives of developing Balinese cultural assets and maintaining a healthy environmental ecosystem. This vision supports quality tourism growth that benefits both visitors and local communities.
A centerpiece of this strategy involves developing traditional Balinese villages as sustainable tourist attractions. The government plans to channel 300 million rupiah to each traditional village, allowing them to improve tourism facilities while preserving their cultural traditions. Additionally, financial support will extend to the Council of Traditional Villages, an institution committed to safeguarding Bali’s cultural legacy. These efforts aim to blend cultural tourism with sustainable community development, ensuring local populations gain from tourism in a balanced and respectful manner.
Enhancing Levy Collection Management Through Transparency and Data Accuracy
Although the PWA levy’s first year has been successful, Governor Koster recognizes the need to address several operational challenges to optimize its effectiveness. To this end, the provincial government has established the PWA Monitoring and Implementation Team, led by Putu Winastra, chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali Chapter.
Winastra emphasized three key focus areas for the team: tightening payment control mechanisms, securing real-time data on tourist arrivals, and ensuring transparent usage of the collected funds. He noted that a significant challenge involves obtaining accurate, timely data on foreign visitor numbers, which is essential for aligning levy collections with actual arrivals and ensuring proper distribution of resources.
Moreover, transparency regarding fund allocation is vital to maintain public trust and encourage ongoing contributions from tourists. Discussions are underway with Indonesia’s central government to involve an independent third-party body in overseeing levy collection and management. This measure is expected to heighten accountability and strengthen confidence in the program.
Collaborative Effort Paving the Way for Responsible Tourism
The success and expansion potential of Bali’s Foreign Tourism Levy result from the combined efforts of local government authorities, the tourism industry, and the community. Bali’s forward-thinking approach to managing tourism pressures serves as a model for other destinations facing the adverse consequences of overtourism.
By prioritizing environmental protection, cultural preservation, and sustainable development, Bali is forging a path toward responsible tourism that benefits its people and safeguards its natural and cultural assets. The Provincial Government’s initiative ensures that tourism revenues are reinvested locally, fostering a future where the island’s allure can continue to thrive without compromising its identity or ecological health.
As Bali moves forward as a top global travel destination, its commitment to sustainability and cultural integrity will remain central to shaping a balanced, resilient tourism industry for generations to come.
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