Bali, a famous tourist destination, has recently taken steps to facilitate the payment of the tourist taxintroduced in February 2024. Faced with a low payment rate among visitors, the Balinese authorities have extended the options available, notably by adding new points of payment in key tourist locations. The aim of this initiative is not only to improve fund-raising for the cultural and environmental preservation of the island, but also to ensure a better experience for tourists by simplifying administrative procedures.
Since the introduction of tourist tax in February 2024, the Balinese authorities are committed to facilitating the payment of this mandatory fee of IDR 150,000 for international visitors. With figures revealing that only 35 % of tourists paid this tax in its first year, considerable efforts are being made to widen payment options and ensure that the amount collected is effectively reinvested to serve the community.environmentthe culture and the island's infrastructure. The new measures are designed not only to improve the traceability of funds, but also to make tourists more aware of this obligation.
Accessible payment solutions
One of the major obstacles to collecting the tourist tax lies in the fact that insufficient number of payment points. Although the LoveBali website and app make it possible to pay the tax at any time, many visitors are unaware of this option. Kiosks are available at Ngurah Rai International Airport, but most travellers are too rushed or distracted by travel formalities to pay. In order to remedy this situation, the authorities have now extended the payment options by installing devices at popular tourist sites such as the temples of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, making it easier to pay when the tourist office carries out checks.
Expansion in the Buleleng region
Faced with an unforeseen budget deficit, the provincial government is acting swiftly to set up new payment points in key destinations such as the Buleleng region. This area, which includes remarkable sites such as Lovina Beach and the Munduk waterfalls, benefits from the installation of twenty new ticketing systems terminals. These initiatives are designed to give tourists a variety of options for paying the tax during their stay, making the payment process much smoother and more accessible.
The trend towards digitalisation
A central element of the current strategy is the digitisation payment processes. More and more tourists, who prefer to use their cards rather than cash, are benefiting from this modernisation. The system also consolidates the traceability of funds in real time, boosting visitors' confidence in the use of their contribution to the island's development. This digitisation is not just limited to the payment of the tax, but also extends to experiences such as the dolphin-watching outings at Lovina, which are being promoted as pilot projects for thee-ticketing.
In search of more transparent information
The local authorities are aware that clear communication is crucial to ensure payment of the tax. Many international visitors remain uninformed about the need to pay this sum, which helps to preserve Balinese culture, protect the environment and improve local infrastructure. However, details of the levies, estimated at around IDR 318 billion (nearly $19.2 million), have not yet been made public, raising questions about the transparency of the funds collected.
Redistribution and local impact
As part of a drive for greater transparency, the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, recently announced that the first revenues from the tax would be redistributed to traditional villages. In accordance with the legislation, these funds are to be used to finance projects linked to the culturethe nature and local infrastructure. This redistribution model aims to create a more equitable approach to the benefits of tourism, ensuring that the local population benefits from the funds generated.
Towards an enhanced tourist experience
Bali is committed to offering innovative solutions to enable visitors to pay the tourist tax simply and conveniently. The introduction of new payment points, combined with enhanced communication, aims to ensure that the funds collected are actually used for sustainable development and the enhancement of the island, while improving the tourist experience. The Balinese authorities hope to revolutionise the way visitors collect taxes and promote a culture of responsibility towards the island and its inhabitants.
Comparison of tourist tax payment methods in Bali
| Method of payment | Details |
|---|---|
| LoveBali application | Payment possible at any time, but few users informed. |
| Ticket offices at Ngurah Rai International Airport | Available, but often overlooked by travellers. |
| Payment on tourist sites | Payment may be possible in some temples at checkpoints. |
| New payment points in Buleleng | Setting up electronic devices in popular places. |
| Digitalisation and e-ticketing | Facilitates payment by card and ensures better traceability. |
| Communication with tourists | Efforts needed to inform people about the tax obligation. |
| Transparency of funds raised | Distribution of proceeds to traditional villages for local development. |
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