Bali set to impose a tourist tax

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Bali in Indonesia, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, is about to impose a tax of 10 U.S. dollars on foreign visitors to enhance its environmental protection and cultural preservation.

Listed as the world's top destination by TripAdvisor, an American travel website company, Bali welcomed over 1.3 million Chinese tourists in 2017, making China the top source of international tourists to Bali.

Bali in Indonesia. /VCG Photo

However, overtourism has led to environmental damages to the island in the past few years. In particular, the plastic waste left behind by tourists has caused pollution to its beaches and waters.

A plastic bag left in Bali waters. /VCG Photo

Batteries left in Bali waters. /VCG Photo

Since last month, Bali has begun to ban the use of single-use plastics such as shopping bags, styrofoam and straws to tackle the issue.

Nevertheless, Bali is not the only example to implement such a measure. Japan has recently launched a 1,000 yen (9 U.S. dollars) departure tax on foreign visitors to promote tourism resources.

Japan starts nine U.S. dollars departure tax for travelers.

(Cover Photo: Bali in Indonesia. /VCG Photo )