According to multiple surveys conducted, Bali is proven to be the most visited destination for vacation. A plethora of reasons like affordability, nature and more is why it’s a preferred destination by many global travellers. But now you might want to rethink your plan to visit Bali from the following year. Here’s why!
Emiratis & Others Will Have To Pay Tourism Tax To Holiday In Bali
Bali, the popular Indonesian island getaway, is introducing a tourism tax for all visitors from February 2024. Each person arriving or departing will need to pay 150,000 rupiah (Dhs34). The money collected will go towards preserving the environment. It includes projects like protecting coral reefs and mangroves.
This tax is applicable to everyone, including UAE residents. Although there are no direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Bali, travellers can reach there in just over 9 hours by flying directly from Dubai with Emirates. Bali offers a plethora of attractions. Some of the renowned spots are the West Bali National Park, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Uluwatu Temple.
Also Read: Now, Fly Daily To Taiwan, Emirates Resumes Taipei-Dubai Flights
Why Was This Tax Introduced?
The move aims to safeguard the cultural heritage and ecological vitality of the region. The island’s revival in tourism post-pandemic has been notable. The tally of visitors reached 439,475 as of May. It’s a staggering fourfold increase since its reopening to international travel in 2022. However, this resurgence has been accompanied by a renewal of social transgressions on the part of visitors, ranging from altercations with local authorities to instances of public indecency.
As the island grapples with this concerning wave of behaviour, it’s apparent that the surge in tourism has brought challenges along. They extend beyond the realm of numbers. Many foreigners have shown a persistent disregard for local traffic regulations. This led the government to act on it immediately. In March, Bali government announced a ban on tourists riding motorbikes. This measure was designed to address the escalating issue and enhance overall safety.
The introduction of the tourism tax signifies a proactive step towards tackling these challenges head-on. So, at the beginning of February 2024, all visitors, including UAE residents, will be required to pay a tourism tax of 150,000 rupiah (Dhs34) upon entry or exit to Bali.
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