Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said on July 12 that this Indonesian resort paradise will collect a tax of 150,000 rupiah (10 USD) from tourists coming to the island from next year to preserve the culture.

Bali attracts millions of foreign tourists every year and the island is trying to use its appeal to increase revenue and protect its landscape.

Governor I Wayan Koster said international tourists only have to pay the tax once during their stay in Bali. He said the fee must be paid online and applies to foreign tourists coming to Bali from other countries or other parts of Indonesia, and does not apply to Indonesian tourists.

According to official figures, more than 2 million tourists visited Bali last year. And Mr. Koster believes that this new regulation will not reduce the number of tourists coming to Bali, because the local government will use this revenue to improve the environment, culture and improve infrastructure to make traveling to Bali more convenient and safe.

Before the new regulation was introduced, Bali had pledged to take a tough stance on tourists who misbehaved following a series of incidents involving foreign tourists showing disrespect for local culture.