Bali Governor Wayan Koster has floated the idea of a “quota system” that would limit the number of travelers allowed to enter the island, citing concerns over misbehaving tourists.
Koster told reporters in Badung on Thursday evening that he was unhappy with the increasing number of tourists who flouted the rules and disrespected the local culture as Bali was recovering from the pandemic.
“We will no longer welcome mass tourism. We will restrict [tourist numbers] by implementing a quota system,” he said.
Koster explained that one possible quota system would require foreign tourists to register a year before their planned visit to Bali, and wait for their turn to be granted entry.
“If there is a quota, then people will have to queue. Those who want to come next year, can sign up from now. That’s the system we want to apply,” he said.
Koster singled out Russian tourists as the most problematic group in Bali, noting that 27 out of the 101 foreigners deported from the island since January were from Russia.
“If we let this go on, then we will only attract cheap tourists who maybe just eat nasi bungkus (rice dish wrapped in banana leaves or paper), rent motorbikes and break [traffic laws], and, lastly, steal from ATMs,” he said.
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