Bali and Australian Consulate Promote Respectful Tourism

TheIndonesia.co - The Bali provincial government, in collaboration with the Australian Consulate General, is urging foreign travelers, particularly Australians, to adhere to local regulations and respect the island’s unique culture and environment.

According to Antara News Agency, Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, expressed his appreciation for the Australian Consulate General’s support in promoting respectful tourist behavior.

"I am pleased to know that the Australian Consulate General in Bali is supportive of our efforts to encourage respectful tourist behavior," Pemayun stated on Thursday.

Pemayun emphasized that Bali is a favorite destination for Australian tourists and called on all visitors to respect both the culture and laws of the island, as well as to contribute to the protection of its natural environment. The provincial government has issued a comprehensive guide for foreign tourists, outlining the dos and don'ts during their stay in Bali.

Australian Consul General Jo Stevens also expressed her endorsement of the guidance. Stevens described the guidelines as crucial for ensuring that tourists have a safe and enjoyable experience in Bali. She urged Australians to follow these rules during their visit.

"I encourage all Australians to respect Bali's unique culture and follow the dos and don'ts for a safe and enjoyable visit," Stevens said.

In 2024, around 1.5 million Australian tourists visited Bali, with only a small number requiring consular assistance. "This shows that the vast majority of Australians enjoy a pleasant, safe, and trouble-free holiday in Bali, which supports the local culture and economy. We want this positive trend to continue," she noted.

The Australian Consulate and Bali's government are working together on initiatives to promote respectful tourist behaviour. This includes social media campaigns and updated travel advice available on Smartraveller, the Australian government’s official travel advisory service. The advisory includes detailed guidance from the Bali provincial government about the appropriate behaviors for foreign visitors.

Smartraveller also reminds Australian tourists that failing to respect local culture, laws, and regulations could lead to serious consequences, such as criminal penalties or deportation.

According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in Bali, the number of foreign tourist arrivals to the island reached 6.33 million in 2024, a 20.1% increase from 5.27 million in 2023. Australians ranked as the top nationality visiting Bali, contributing 1.5 million tourists. India and South Korea followed, with 550,379 and 294,024 visitors, respectively.