IATA objects to Bali tourist tax proposal
Airline group the International Air Transport Association has fired off a missive to Bali’s Governor objecting to plans to levy a tourist tax.
IATA’s regional vice-president for Asia Pacific Conrad Clifford sent a letter to governor I Wayan Koster opposing the tax which may be included in airfares.
The Bali administration wants to impose a $US 10 fee to pay for protecting the environment and its cultural assets.
It has drafted a by-law to bring in the tax and is mulling whether to order airlines to collect the fee via increased airfares or by cash payments on arrival at the airport.
A fee would contravene the Convention on International Civil Aviation which states that ‘no fees, dues or other charges shall be imposed by any contracting state in respect solely of the right of transit over or entry into or exit from its territory," Clifford wrote.
"It is worthy to note that departing international passengers from Denpasar airport in Bali currently pay the passenger service charge in the amount of IDR225,000 related to the provision of passenger and security services."
"Air passengers are already paying for the aviation services they utilise and should not be forced to remit more than their fair share," he added.
IATA believes Bali is unfairly targeting air travellers.
The administration has said it will only charge international arrivals and domestic tourists will be exempt.
Tourist taxes are not unlawful but Bali will likely have to expand it to ferry and cruise port arrivals, possibly including domestic tourists to circumvent the rules.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11