Inspiring: Bali shows added value of tourist tax

In the video below, Bali demonstrates how the newly introduced tourist tax is being used to achieve sustainable tourism. The video also highlights the undesirable reality: tourists have a major impact on local communities and it’s nature.

https://www.dw.com/en/bali-plans-tourist-tax-to-fund-environmental-restoration/video-69856850

The Recurring Debate About Tourist Tax

Whenever a country or municipality introduces a tourist tax, there is a debate about the (added) value of the tax. Tourist taxes are often seen as an unnecessary burden or a government cash cow. And to be fair, when the revenue isn't earmarked for specific projects but goes into the general fund, these concerns are understandable.

Bali shows the positive side

Bali illustrates how a tourist tax can be a powerful tool to mitigate, or at least offset, the negative effects of tourism. In Bali, the tourist tax helps the funding of nature restoration and conservation projects. For example, with the help of the tourist tax, kilos of plastic are removed from the water daily, mangroves are replanted, and initiatives to protect fireflies and restore coral reefs are supported.

Is sustainable tourism possible?

In the coming years, we will see how effective the tourist tax is in Bali. At the same time, tourist hotspots like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Venice will continue to face challenges with over-tourism. We believe sustainable tourism is possible. We support the use of tourist tax, especially when the revenue when the revenue has a target destination. Additionally, leveraging digital technologies plays a crucial role in the efforts to combat overtourism.