Bali, a renowned tourist destination, is grappling with the challenges of overtourism, mirroring the experiences of iconic travel destinations worldwide. As the island faces growing concerns about overcrowding and its impact on the environment and local communities, leaders are turning to other destinations for inspiration on how to manage this complex issue.
One key example is Bruges, a historic Belgian city that has implemented a new policy to address the surge in short-term vacation rentals within its city center. This policy aims to safeguard the city’s cultural heritage by limiting the spread of these properties, which have proliferated due to increased tourist demand. Bruges officials also restrict the development of new hotels, recognizing the need to control tourism growth and protect the city’s unique character.
Bruges, like Bali, is experiencing a significant influx of tourists, placing immense pressure on its infrastructure and the quality of life for its residents. The city’s efforts to manage tourism highlight the need for proactive strategies to balance economic benefits with the preservation of cultural and environmental integrity.
In response to its own overtourism concerns, Bali is actively exploring a range of solutions. Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economies has announced plans for new legislation aimed at preventing the conversion of agricultural and community-owned land into tourism developments. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the island’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage from unchecked development.
Bali is also implementing a tourism tax to generate funds for infrastructure improvements and to support sustainable tourism initiatives. While the tax was introduced in February 2024, ensuring compliance has proven challenging, with reports suggesting that as many as 60% of international tourists have failed to pay the levy. The Bali Tourism Office is conducting spot checks to enforce compliance, recognizing the vital role these funds play in protecting the island’s unique beauty.
To promote a more balanced distribution of tourism across the island, Bali is focusing on developing less-explored regions in the north, west, and east. The goal is to reduce the heavy concentration of tourism in the southern resort areas, thereby spreading the economic benefits more equitably. The central government has also approved plans for a new toll road that will enhance accessibility to these less-visited regions, further supporting sustainable tourism development.
Bali’s leadership is acutely aware of the need to find solutions that address overtourism without compromising the island’s unique appeal. By learning from the experiences of other destinations, such as Bruges, Bali is striving to create a sustainable model that balances economic growth with the preservation of its cultural and environmental heritage. The island is committed to finding a way to ensure that both residents and visitors can continue to enjoy its beauty for generations to come.
