Travelers Receive Update on Bali’s Tourism Tax Revenue and Its Impact
Denpasar, Bali – July 15, 2025 – The Bali provincial government has provided important updates concerning the revenues generated from tourism taxes and their ongoing impact on Bali’s development and economy. The announcement comes amid growing attention to how these funds are allocated and the role they play in supporting Bali’s infrastructure and tourism sustainability.
Overview of Bali’s Tourism Tax Revenue
Since the introduction of the Bali Tourism Tax Levy in February 2024, the island has seen increased revenue streams from a series of taxes applied to tourism and hospitality sectors. The mandatory Bali Tourism Tax Levy requires all international tourists visiting the island to pay a fee of IDR 150,000 prior to departure. This fee can be paid conveniently through the LoveBali website, its mobile app, or at dedicated counters located at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport’s arrivals terminals.
Beyond this levy, Bali also collects various taxes from hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses across the island. Together, these revenue sources contribute significantly to both the provincial and national economies.
Bali’s Significant Contribution to Indonesia’s Tourism Sector
Bali Governor Wayan Koster addressed the media, emphasizing that Bali accounts for approximately 44 percent of Indonesia’s foreign tourism exchange. He highlighted the impressive figure of IDR 107 trillion in tourism-related taxes generated by the province, which are forwarded to the central government.
Governor Koster stressed that due to Bali’s substantial contribution, the island should receive increased financial support from the national State Budget (APBN) to enhance infrastructure and tourism facilities. "I have submitted policy recommendations to incorporate specific provisions in the draft tourism law, ensuring that regions like Bali, which are global tourist destinations, receive appropriate incentives," he stated.
These incentives include support for the construction and upgrade of infrastructure and strategic facilities tailored to the unique characteristics and potential of each region. For Bali, this will help address challenges such as congestion in key tourist areas and enhance connectivity, including developments at Sanur port, which currently operates well to Nusa Penida but creates bottlenecks on nearby roads.
Calls for Localized Use of Tourism Tax Revenues
Adding to Governor Koster’s statements, Bali Senator Made Supartha voiced concerns about the current distribution of tourism tax revenues. He insisted that all taxes collected from hotels, restaurants, and tourism in Bali should be reinvested within the province for the benefit of local communities and the tourism sector.
“Despite generating large sums, Bali has yet to receive adequate compensation from the central government,” Senator Supartha remarked. He advocates for clearer mechanisms to ensure that funds from eVisa on Arrival and other tourist-related revenues are returned to Bali to support its ongoing development needs. “It is unfair for the central government to retain the majority of these funds without proper reinvestment back into Bali,” he added.
Purpose of the Bali Tourism Tax Levy
The revenue from the Bali Tourism Tax Levy is earmarked specifically for key developmental priorities such as nurturing the natural environment, conserving Balinese culture, and upgrading tourism infrastructure. Bali officials aim to balance tourism growth with sustainability, ensuring that both residents and visitors benefit from improvements.
How Tourists Can Pay the Levy
International visitors to Bali are required to pay the IDR 150,000 tax before leaving the island. Payment is facilitated online via the LoveBali platform or can be made at airport counters. Domestic arrivals terminals also offer payment points, enhancing convenience for travelers.
Looking Ahead
As Bali continues to attract millions of international tourists each year, the effective management and allocation of tourism tax revenues remain a priority for local leaders. With ongoing discussions between provincial and central governments, Bali hopes to secure greater funding and incentives that will support the island’s infrastructure advancements and sustainable tourism goals.
Travelers can expect improved facilities and services as these investments take shape, further enhancing Bali’s position as a premier global tourist destination.
For more information on Bali’s tourism policies and ongoing updates, travelers are encouraged to follow official announcements and government communications.
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