Bali Considers Bhutan-Style Tourism Fee to Manage Visitor Influx

Bali may soon implement a daily tourism fee similar to Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee. Governor Wayan Koster proposed this approach in 2023 to manage the island's growing tourist numbers. The proposed system aims to limit annual tourist arrivals to 400,000 and involves a selection process for foreign visitors. This would echo Bhutan's successful model, which requires tourists to pay a daily fee and meet specific financial criteria.

To visit Bhutan, international tourists, excluding Indians, must pay a Sustainable Development Fee of US$100 per person per day. Before the pandemic, this fee was set at US$250. The charge supports Bhutan's sustainable development goals and ensures that tourists contribute to preserving the nation's cultural and environmental heritage. Bali seeks to adopt a similar strategy by introducing a daily fee for foreign visitors, as suggested by I Wayan Puspa Negara.

"Foreign tourists who come to Bali must be selected, like in Bhutan," – I Wayan Puspa Negara

The proposed fee for Bali remains undecided, but the objective is clear: manage tourism effectively while preserving the island’s resources. The initiative would also involve financial prerequisites for visa applicants, similar to requirements faced by Indonesians traveling to the US, Europe, or Britain.

"They select tourists from a spending perspective. It’s the same as when [Indonesians] go to the US, Europe or Britain. The first requirement [for visa applicants] is that they must have a minimum amount of savings. If you don’t have it, they won’t give you a visa." – I Wayan Puspa Negara

Currently, there is no cap on the number of tourists visiting Bali. The proposed fee and selection process aim to ensure that visitors contribute positively to Bali’s economy and environment. The model reflects Bhutan's policy of limiting tourist numbers for sustainable growth.

Implementing this proposal aligns with efforts to maintain Bali's appeal as a top travel destination while addressing challenges posed by mass tourism. By selecting tourists based on their economic capacity, Bali hopes to attract visitors who will invest more in local businesses and infrastructure.