Bali Proposes Moratorium on New Tourism Development

Bali is grappling with the consequences of overtourism, prompting local authorities to propose a temporary ban on new hotel and nightclub constructions for one to two years. The surge in foreign visitors, which reached over 5 million in 2023, has led to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and increased crime rates, worrying both residents and officials. Acting Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya emphasized the need to preserve Bali's cultural heritage and natural beauty in light of this rapid tourism growth, seeking a moratorium on commercial developments in popular areas. The proposal is currently under review by the central government and could potentially be extended up to 10 years. Local sentiments have soured towards tourists due to incidents of unruly behavior, with 157 individuals expelled in the first eight months of this year alone. This situation reflects a broader global concern regarding the sustainability of tourism and its impacts on local communities.