With this enforcement effort, we want to achieve quality tourism in Bali…Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - The tightening of rules for foreign tourists has not affected the number of visitors arriving in Bali, head of the Bali Province Tourism Service Tjok Bagus Pemayun has informed.
"There has been no significant impact regarding foreign tourist enforcement on the number of tourists visiting Bali," he said in Denpasar, Bali, on Friday.
The tightening of rules for foreign tourists visiting Bali is in accordance with the Bali Governor Regulation Number 28 of 2020 concerning Bali tourism management, he added.
Tighter enforcement has been undertaken due to tourists violating the law, such as using their visa on arrival to work instead of holidaying in Bali.
"With this enforcement effort, we want to achieve quality tourism in Bali, such as maintaining existing traditions, protecting the environment, and also using transportation facilities through the tourism travel service business," Pemayun said.
Currently, 29 airlines are serving international routes to Bali, with the visa on arrival (VoA) facility extended to nationals from 86 countries, he informed. As per data from the Bali Tourism Service, since the beginning of March 2023, the total number of passengers coming in from international routes has reached 27 thousand per day.
The number of foreign tourists arriving in Bali increases during certain months such as May, June, and July, Pemayun said.
In January 2023, tourists from Russia ranked second highest in terms of visits, but currently, the second position is occupied by Indian tourists, while Australia is still ranking first, he informed.
He assured that his party will continue to monitor the activities of foreign tourists and that will not lead to a reduction in the number of tourist visits to Indonesia.
The monitoring is being carried out because of violations by foreign tourists, he said adding, through the move, the government wants to create good and quality tourism like Singapore.
"In Singapore, we are really afraid to litter. It shows that foreign tourists can obey the rules in Singapore. Therefore, we must do the same in Indonesia," he said.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster's proposal regarding revoking VoAs for Russian and Ukrainian tourists is also expected to have no effect on foreign tourist visits to Bali.
"I am optimistic that tourists from Russia and Ukraine will still come, even though the VOA is revoked because Bali is indeed a safe and comfortable destination. Tourists are definitely looking for a safe and comfortable destination," he added.
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Translator: Ni Putu Putri M, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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