Balis toughest tourism proposal yet: checking foreign visitors bank accounts
Indonesia’s Bali is weighing a regulation that would require foreign tourists to disclose how much money they have had in their bank accounts over the past three months, the island’s most far-reaching proposal yet in a drive to deter low-spending visitors and promote what officials call “quality tourism”. Governor Wayan Koster said the measure would…
Governor Wayan Koster said the measure would be included in Bali’s Draft Regional Regulation on Quality Tourism Management, which he said was nearing completion in the island’s legislature.
“One aspect that is taken into account for quality tourism is how much money there is in [tourists’] savings for the last three months,” Koster said, as cited by state news agency Antara on January 2.
If the draft is passed, foreign visitors would also be required to provide their itinerary, including the duration of their stay and planned activities on the island.
“This is to ensure everything is under control, just like when we travel to other countries, where we are subjected to similar policies. We will do the same,” Koster said.
Indonesian travellers often face stringent visa requirements abroad and must submit proof of funds and an itinerary when applying for visas to countries including those in Europe as well as the United States and Australia.
