Bali Government Tourism Office Director I Wayan Sumarajaya outlined the island’s approach to protecting culture, nature and community livelihoods.
Tourism zoning, a visitor levy and community benefits underpin Bali’s efforts to expand an industry that depends on the landscapes and traditions it must protect.
Bali is putting culture, land-use controls and community benefits at the centre of its tourism strategy.
The Indonesian island is also offering lessons for Kenya as the country seeks to expand its tourism sector.
Bali attracts visitors through beaches, temples, rice terraces and long-standing village traditions.
However, rapid tourism growth has also increased pressure on land, water, waste systems and cultural sites.
Culture Remains Bali’s Tourism Backbone
Bali’s tourism authorities use the Tri Hita Karana philosophy to guide tourism development.
The philosophy promotes harmony among people, nature and the divine.
I Wayan Sumarajaya, Director of the Bali Government Tourism Office, said the approach guides tourism planning.
He told visiting Kenyan journalists that Bali seeks to protect nature while supporting local communities.
Tourism also remains deeply connected to everyday life across the island.
Visitors can experience farming, temple ceremonies, traditional arts and spiritual practices within local communities.
According to Bali officials, tourism contributes about 66 per cent of the island’s economy.
Kandi Putra said about 70 per cent of residents work directly or indirectly in tourism.
Zoning Controls Tourism Expansion
Meanwhile, Bali uses zoning rules to control where tourism development takes place.
The island has eight regencies and one city, with different areas assigned specific uses.
Designated tourism zones accommodate higher-density hotels in places such as Nusa Dua and Sanur.
Other areas support agriculture, cultural preservation and eco-tourism.
Sumarajaya said authorities reassess zoning plans every five to 10 years.
Still, protecting agricultural land remains a challenge.
Inda Trimafo Yudha said some farmers lease land for villas when younger relatives leave farming.
Authorities therefore use regulations and agricultural incentives to protect rice fields.
Tourists Contribute to Conservation
Foreign visitors pay a 150,000 Indonesian rupiah tourism levy, worth about US$10.
The funds support cultural preservation, arts programmes and environmental initiatives, including waste management.
Visitors make payments digitally through the Love Bali system.
Bali also requires tourists to follow rules covering religious sites, clothing and local laws.
Sumarajaya said communities should receive direct economic benefits from tourism.
Kenya Could Draw Lessons
Bali is also targeting Africa as an emerging tourism market.
Figures presented to visiting journalists showed 5,336 Kenyan visitors travelled to Indonesia in 2025.
That figure rose from 3,760 visitors in 2024, representing an increase of about 42 per cent.
The figures cover Indonesia rather than Bali specifically.
Kenya offers a different tourism mix, including wildlife, beaches, landscapes and cultural attractions.
Even so, Bali’s experience highlights several areas Kenya could examine.
These include stronger land-use planning, visitor contributions, environmental protection and community participation.
For Kenya, the challenge remains balancing tourism growth with protection of the attractions that bring visitors in the first place.
