DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – The Bali Provincial Government plans to convene online travel agents (OTAs) and digital accommodation booking platforms in a joint forum in 2026, amid concerns that some platforms continue to market unlicensed villas and hotels that do not pay local taxes.
Governor I Wayan Koster said the initiative follows coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, which has already issued guidance to OTA operators. The provincial government intends to invite the platforms together with the ministry to align policies and enforcement.
“There has been a letter from the Tourism Minister calling OTA operators together and providing direction. The Bali Provincial Government will also invite them, together with the ministry, so the approach is integrated,” Koster said in Denpasar on Sunday.
During the planned meeting, the governor said the government will require digital platforms to comply with local regulations by listing only licensed accommodations. The objective is to ensure that tourism activity contributes fairly to regional revenue through proper permits and tax compliance.
“We will regulate this so all parties can benefit. Right now, the platforms benefit, while the region does not. This is what needs to be addressed,” he said, adding that implementation would be gradual to allow businesses to adjust within clear regulatory boundaries.
Despite the continued presence of unlicensed accommodations, Koster noted that Bali recorded strong Hotel and Restaurant Tax (PHR) performance throughout 2025, driven by licensed properties. While he did not disclose detailed PHR figures by regency or city, hotel occupancy rates reportedly ranged between 70 and 85 percent.
Bali also recorded approximately 7.1 million foreign tourist arrivals and 9.28 million domestic visitors in 2025. According to the governor, rising visitor numbers contributed directly to higher occupancy at licensed hotels that pay taxes, supporting regional revenue growth.
“PHR revenue increased across all regencies and cities. This means the rise in foreign tourist arrivals also boosted occupancy at registered hotels that pay taxes. This shows a positive tourism performance trend in 2025,” Koster said.
The provincial government said the data also counters negative narratives about Bali circulating on social media, emphasizing that official indicators point to a resilient and growing tourism sector.