Indonesian authorities are developing new regulations to better manage tourism in Bali. Local tourism businesses are examining global strategies to tackle the risks of overtourism.
South Bali is nearing a state of overtourism, similar to other well-known international spots. These destinations offer valuable lessons that Bali can learn from.
In Belgium, Bruges has recently enacted policies that limit short-term vacation rentals in its historic center. Additionally, the city has stopped approving new hotel developments. This approach aims to control the rising number of visitors and prevent potential issues.
In 2023, Bruges welcomed over 8.2 million tourists, despite having a population of just 120,000. Bali faces a similar challenge as its tourist numbers continue to grow.
Shared Concerns
Bruges’ Mayor, Dirk De Fauw, highlighted the concerns of residents regarding the increasing number of tourists. He warned that unchecked tourism could lead to serious problems. Bali locals are also worried, particularly about the frequent traffic jams caused by tourist congestion.
Bruges attracts mainly day visitors, unlike Bali, which focuses on resort-based tourism. Mayor De Fauw mentioned he is hesitant to introduce a day-visitor tax but remains open to considering such measures.
Though the city won’t restrict access as Dubrovnik or Venice have done, the influx of tourists still pressures its infrastructure and community. Sustainable tourism management is vital to preserving Bruges’ heritage while maintaining the city's vibrancy. Bali's leaders are also searching for ways to balance tourism growth with the well-being of local communities.
Recently, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism confirmed that new laws are being drafted. These laws will prevent the conversion of community-owned and agricultural lands in Bali into tourism properties.
In February 2024, Bali introduced a tourism tax, but enforcing it has been challenging. Approximately 60% of international tourists have not paid the tax. The Bali Tourism Office is now conducting spot checks to ensure compliance. The collected funds will support the preservation of the island’s culture, environment, and infrastructure.
Last month, Minister Uno referenced anti-tourism protests in Barcelona, cautioning that Bali should take preventive steps to avoid similar unrest. He acknowledged the economic importance of tourism to Bali but emphasized that resident dissatisfaction could have significant consequences.
To distribute tourism more evenly across the island, Minister Uno is promoting lesser-known regions of Bali. He is encouraging visits to resorts in the north and west while working to improve connectivity throughout the island.
The central government has also backed a toll road through Bali’s center, which is considered a step toward sustainable tourism.
Indonesia has recently signed agreements with several African nations to develop sustainable tourism models. As more global cities address overtourism, Bali is expected to explore these strategies as well.
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