The way Bali’s tourism industry is managed might soon change. Leaders and stakeholders are considering new strategies to promote sustainable and culturally respectful tourism on the island.
Push for One Island Management
A recent event in Denpasar, called ‘It’s Time For Us To Talk,’ brought together major tourism leaders. Representatives from ASITA, the Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies Association, chaired this roundtable discussion. They talked about introducing One Island Management. This would mean all tourism legislation, development, and management would be handled under one central system.
Currently, permits for building hotels, resorts, villas, and other tourist attractions are managed by different agencies. Some are issued by the provincial government, others by the central government, and some by regency governments. This disjointed approach has led to spatial planning issues. Sometimes, permits and licenses are not cross-referenced, causing problems on the ground.
Special Autonomous Zone for Tourism
Some academics and tourism leaders are advocating for Bali to be recognized as a Special Autonomous Zone for Tourism. This status would give the provincial government more authority over tourism development. The Head of ASITA Bali supported this idea, stating that it could bring economic balance and better governance across the island. He emphasized that economic development should not be concentrated only in areas like Badung Regency, which includes popular tourist spots like Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak.
Economic and Infrastructural Development
For over a decade, most tourism development in Bali has focused on Badung Regency. This has raised concerns that other regions are being overlooked. The General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Bali, Handy Heryudhitiawan, highlighted the ongoing economic impacts of the pandemic. He called for more support to scale immigration services at the airport, which handles the second-largest passenger traffic in Indonesia, just behind Jakarta. The airport, with its 30 auto gate units, is crucial for boosting international tourism.
Effective Use of Bali Tourism Tax
ASITA Representative Sumarjaya Linggih stressed the importance of effectively utilizing the newly introduced Bali Tourism Tax. He suggested that the funds should be used to promote cultural tourism and distribute tourism benefits more evenly across the island. Linggih argued that focusing on local culture is essential to maintaining Bali as a top tourist destination.
Cultural Respect and Sustainable Tourism
New guidelines have been issued to tourists to promote cultural respect. There’s growing concern that rapid tourism development might erode Bali’s cultural identity. The discussions at the Denpasar event reflected a desire to protect local culture, communities, and the environment.
Bali’s Cultural Identity at Risk
If the current pace of tourism development continues, Bali’s cultural identity is at risk. This sentiment was echoed by several stakeholders and academics. They pointed out that without proper management and regulations, the island’s unique culture could be overshadowed by unchecked growth.
Long-Term Solutions
Long-term solutions discussed include recognizing Bali as a Special Autonomous Zone for Tourism and introducing One Island Management. These measures could provide a more cohesive and effective approach to managing tourism on the island. However, these changes would require significant political and administrative support.
Balancing Tourism and Local Needs
The discussions also touched on the need to balance tourism with the needs of local communities. Ensuring that tourism development benefits all regions of Bali, not just the most popular areas, is crucial. This approach could prevent ‘lopsided’ development and ensure that all residents benefit from tourism revenue.
The Role of the New Government
With a new government about to be sworn in, there’s hope that these discussions will lead to concrete actions. The new administration could play a pivotal role in reshaping Bali’s tourism management to prioritize sustainability and cultural preservation.
Conclusion
While immediate changes are unlikely, the increasing intensity of these discussions suggests that Bali is on the brink of a significant transformation in how it manages tourism. The focus is shifting towards creating a more balanced, sustainable, and culturally respectful tourism industry that benefits both tourists and locals alike.
Bali’s tourism leaders, political leaders, and communities are coming together to find better ways to manage tourism. The hope is to protect Bali’s unique culture while also supporting economic growth. As Bali enters a new chapter in tourism management, these efforts could ensure that the island remains a top destination for years to come.
