Good news for Aussies: Huge savings on Bali holidays as tourist 'tax' slated for removal!
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The Indonesian island of Bali, a favourite holiday destination for Australians, is set to become an even more attractive holiday destination as a compulsory $50 tourist fee will be abolished in 2024.
There is a proposal afoot to grant various nationalities, including Australians, visa-free access to the tourist hotspot.
This move is expected to save Australian families hundreds of dollars on their holiday expenses, making the tropical paradise more accessible than ever.
Historically, Bali has required Australians to obtain a Visa on Arrival, a document that Ross Taylor from the Indonesia Institute describes as 'simply a tax' rather than a genuine visa.
This policy has been a significant revenue source for Indonesia, with millions collected in visa tax from Western Australians alone.
The abolition of this policy means a family of four could save $200 on their trip, a sum that Indonesian officials hope will be spent locally, boosting the island's economy.
The last time the visa tax was abolished, there was a 16 per cent increase in Australian visitors to Bali.
'That's what's concerning authorities in a broader sense, ensuring those big numbers going to Bali will stay that way,' Taylor said.
However, the savings may be short-lived, as a new $15 tax is expected to be introduced from February. Some of the funds collected will be allocated towards environmental conservation, nature preservation, cultural enhancement, and overall quality improvement.
The Indonesian government has recognised the need to address the environmental challenges that Bali faces due to its popularity as a tourist destination. The new tax will also be used to fund initiatives aimed at preserving the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
'I think a lot of Australians would support that, it'll be used to support directly and to address some of the really big environmental challenges Bali has,' Taylor said.
The success of these initiatives will depend on the effective implementation of the new tax and the transparent use of the funds collected. As more details about the new tax and its implementation emerge, it will be interesting to see how this impacts tourism in Bali and whether other popular tourist destinations follow suit.
What are your thoughts on the abolition of the tourist 'tax' and the introduction of the new environmental tax? Do you think this will make Bali a more attractive destination for Australian tourists? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
There is a proposal afoot to grant various nationalities, including Australians, visa-free access to the tourist hotspot.
This move is expected to save Australian families hundreds of dollars on their holiday expenses, making the tropical paradise more accessible than ever.
Historically, Bali has required Australians to obtain a Visa on Arrival, a document that Ross Taylor from the Indonesia Institute describes as 'simply a tax' rather than a genuine visa.
This policy has been a significant revenue source for Indonesia, with millions collected in visa tax from Western Australians alone.
Indonesia hopes to increase tourist spending in Bali by getting rid of its visa-on-arrival fee for various nationalities, including Australians. Image: Pexels
The abolition of this policy means a family of four could save $200 on their trip, a sum that Indonesian officials hope will be spent locally, boosting the island's economy.
The last time the visa tax was abolished, there was a 16 per cent increase in Australian visitors to Bali.
'That's what's concerning authorities in a broader sense, ensuring those big numbers going to Bali will stay that way,' Taylor said.
However, the savings may be short-lived, as a new $15 tax is expected to be introduced from February. Some of the funds collected will be allocated towards environmental conservation, nature preservation, cultural enhancement, and overall quality improvement.
The Indonesian government has recognised the need to address the environmental challenges that Bali faces due to its popularity as a tourist destination. The new tax will also be used to fund initiatives aimed at preserving the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
'I think a lot of Australians would support that, it'll be used to support directly and to address some of the really big environmental challenges Bali has,' Taylor said.
The success of these initiatives will depend on the effective implementation of the new tax and the transparent use of the funds collected. As more details about the new tax and its implementation emerge, it will be interesting to see how this impacts tourism in Bali and whether other popular tourist destinations follow suit.
What are your thoughts on the abolition of the tourist 'tax' and the introduction of the new environmental tax? Do you think this will make Bali a more attractive destination for Australian tourists? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
