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Bali tourist tax won't affect visitor numbers, ministry says
The government has expressed its optimism that the tourist tax to be imposed on Bali in February 2024 will not affect foreign arrivals to the island province.
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A group of people takes a photograph on May 6, 2023 in Ubud, a famed cultural destination in Gianyar regency, Bali. (Antara/Fikri Yusuf)
T
he Finance Ministry is confident that the Rp 150,000 (US$10) tourist tax for Bali, slated to take effect in February next year, will not deter foreign visitors from traveling to the island province.
Sandy Firdaus, regional taxes and levies director at the ministry’s Fiscal Balance Directorate General, told reporters on Monday that the tourist tax would not diminish Bali’s appeal as a top destination among international travelers. He added that no fall in tourist numbers was expected.
“So far, no effect has emerged. But we’ll see in the years following its implementation,” said Sandy, as quoted in Kontan.
At least 3.4 million foreign tourists had visited Bali as of August this year, according to data from the Bali office of Statistics Indonesia (BPS). Topping the figure were visitors from Australia, followed by Chinese tourists.
Read also: Bali Tourism Board demands transparency over tourist tax plan
In addition, Bali contributed the greatest number of foreign visitors to Indonesia compared to other destinations in the country, according to BPS.
Acting Bali governor Mahendra Jaya said in September that the tourist tax would allow Bali to boost its waste management and cultural preservation efforts, reinforcing its position as a world-class tourist haven celebrated for its pristine environment and rich heritage.
