The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has said that they hope to welcome this support 14 million foreign visitors this year.
The provincial government sets annual targets for the number of visitors it hopes to receive.
According to reports, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Bali’s provincial tourism department, expressed confidence in it the island will be able to attract 7 million tourists in 2024.
This would represent a 40% increase in the number of visitors to Bali between 2023 and 2024.
Australia remains the country with the highest percentage of foreign arrivals in Bali (up to 25%), followed by visitors from India, mainland China, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea, France, Singapore, Germany and Malaysia.
Surprising images of traffic jams have been witnessed across Bali in the past week, even on toll roads and highways.
Thousands of tourists were forced to abandon their taxis halfway and walk or run the remaining distance with their suitcases in tow along the Mandara Toll Road leading to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Pemayun clarified to reporters that “yesterday’s experience with traffic jams is certainly a lesson for us so that hopefully it will not happen again this year. Because yesterday when we looked at the number of vehicles at the end of the year compared to Christmas, the number at Christmas was still high.
In an effort to reduce traffic on the roads and ensure visitors arrived at the airport as quickly as possible, an emergency shuttle bus was operated from January 2 to 4.
The government of Bali Province will have more money at its disposal by 2024 to make visitors’ stay on the island easier and more pleasant.
On the other hand, Bali’s new tourist tax will come into effect on February 14.
Upon arrival, all foreign visitors must pay a fee of IDR 150.00 (approximately USD 10).
With more than 7 million travelers expected on the island this year and only eleven months of the year without profit after introduction, the government of Bali will have access to more than $65 million to invest in improving the island’s tourism infrastructure.
