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THE PROVINCIAL Government of Bali is preparing a regional regulation that regulates the implementation of foreign tourist arrival quotas. This regional regulation aims to target quality tourists, no longer mass tourism.
Based on immigration records in Bali from January to April 2023, 101 foreigners were deported from the Island of the Gods. Since international doors reopened in Bali in May 2022 to December 2022, deportations from Indonesian territory via Bali have reached 194 people.
The deportation was carried out for misusing a residence permit, passing a residence permit and criminal acts that violated the norms in force in Bali.
“Right now, tourism is not only about prosperity, but also a problem. That’s what we have to deal with now,” said Bali and Nusa Tenggara Asia Pacific Travel Association (PATA) Deputy Chairperson Ida Bagus Vedanta Wijaya
According to him, quality tourism is not related to the volume of the number of foreign tourists who come, purchasing power and length of stay, but those who enjoy all areas in Bali by respecting the prevailing nature, customs and culture.
Ida Bagus Vedanta Wijaya expects the concept of balance in Tri Hita Karana (THK) or the three harmonious relationships between humans and God, humans and nature or the environment, and fellow human beings.
“The THK concept is the foundation for development in Bali, including the tourism sector. We have to be smart in finding market segmentation,” he said.
Meanwhile, an economic observer from the National Education University (Undiknas) Denpasar, Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Raka Suardana, suggested that in the long term the payment of a direct arrival visa or Visa on Arrival (VoA) was more expensive.
“Another offer is the option of fees being charged to foreign tourists coming to Bali to support quality tourism. This option to deal with the large number of troubled foreign tourists in Bali requires the support of the community so that they can jointly maintain order,” he said.
He added, like in Singapore, there is order because the people are also orderly. We in Bali also have to be like that, the risk of living in a tourism area cannot be arbitrary, we must set an example.
Likewise, Director of the Center of Economics and Law Studies (Celios) Bhima Yudistira suggested that Bali needs to increase tourism activities. Such as music concerts and meeting tours, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) which bring many economic contributions.
“Bali tourism promotion activities need to be intensified, including promotions assisted by country representatives abroad. On the other hand, the quality of infrastructure also needs to be ensured to support quality tourism. Start increasing international activities that can bring in tourists and foreign exchange,” he concluded. [sources/photo special]
