Bali tourist tax means more admin for trade, say operators

A new tourist tax introduced for entry into Bali is unlikely to impact sales but will be a further layer of administration for the trade, according to specialist operators.

The £8 levy, introduced on February 14 for international travellers, aims to raise funds to protect the Indonesian island’s culture and natural environment.

In a statement, Pata UK & Ireland said: “We understand the new Bali tourist tax imposed on February 14 is designed to address the issue of overtourism (managing tourist numbers), aiming to generate funds for infrastructure development and environmental conservation.

“While it won’t be a deterrent in terms of affordability, it is an inconvenience to travellers. Additional taxes are never well received by consumers, or the trade, with the added complications they bring to pre-departure arrangements.

“Overall, we aren’t concerned with an impact on arrival numbers but ultimately it could be an annoyance for travellers and agents who now have an extra layer of entry requirements to consider.”

Pata members and other operators to the region agreed the move would not deter visitors but raised concerns of potential delays and use of consumers’ private information.

Helen Wheat, Asia destination manager for Travelbag, said: “Let’s hope that the process is smooth and it doesn’t cause more delays entering Denpasar.”

She added: “With rising flight and accommodation costs around the globe, customers are searching out for the best deals and the most cost effective places to travel without scrimping on experience or quality. The introduction of a tourism tax for passengers entering Bali is another one of these expenses that customers will have to absorb but I don’t think the cost of this will deter people from heading to Indonesia.”

David Kevan, co-founding director of CHIC Locations, said: “The amount of £8 is not going to be a deterrent to clients spending £2,000 plus per person on a holiday but keep in mind this is in addition to the visa fee of 500,000 IDR (about £25).

“Both are recommended to be paid in advance. Sorting things out prior to arrival is good, but it does raise concerns on how your information might be used, particularly when disclosing passport and credit card details.”

Sam Clark, Experience Travel Group co-founder and director, commented: “We welcome the new tourist tax as a proportionate measure to ensure that all tourists contribute to protecting the island’s culture and environment.

“Bali remains a wonderful destination, despite the well-publicised issues with over-tourism in certain locations and anything that ensure it remains that way should be welcomed.

“We caution that it is critical for the Balinese that the tax is used for the intended purposes so that the benefits of tourism are spread evenly.

“We are very confident that the level at which it is set, $10 per day, is low enough not to affect bookings and ETG will be covering the cost for all those who have already booked.”

Payment can be made online or on arrival at designated payment counters at Bali’s airport and seaport.