Tourism Association Highlights Importance of Law Enforcement Against Tourism Operators in Bali
The chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tourism Travel Enterprises (Asita) Bali, I Putu Winastra, has highlighted the importance of law enforcement for all business operators in the tourism sector in Bali.
This is considered crucial as the trend of foreign tourists travelling independently without using local travel agent services has increased, which is viewed as insufficiently balanced by adequate oversight.
According to Winastra, weak monitoring of tourism business operators risks creating various problems, ranging from services that fail to meet standards to the emergence of unlicensed business practices.
He emphasised that law enforcement needs to be applied firmly so that all tourism operators comply with applicable regulations and service standards.
“On one hand, there are people who have legality, on the other hand (there are those) who do not have legality. Well, if law enforcement is not done properly, why would anyone conduct business with legality?” Winastra questioned.
He stated that this situation occurs with foreign tourists who, according to statistical data, represent the peak of visitor arrivals to Bali, such as tourists from Australia and China.
“Especially from Australia—they already regard Bali as their second home, so they themselves already have channels, supplies, and even family in Bali. So they are certainly coming to these places all the time,” Winastra said.
However, unfortunately, continued Winastra, the ease with which foreign tourists can explore tourism sites in Bali has not been matched by strict monitoring.
As a result, there frequently emerge reports about poor behaviour from foreign tourists while visiting Bali, and accidents affecting tourists whilst sightseeing in Bali.
Given these circumstances and weak oversight, it is insufficient to promote the creation of quality tourism.
Looking at the situation, Winastra said that law enforcement for all stakeholders operating in the tourism sector, particularly in Bali, needs to be enforced.