Bali officials launch crackdown on how tourists dress and behave in billboard campaign
The end of the bogan of Bali? Thousands of Aussies affected as the popular destination cracks down on the way tourists dress and behave
- Bali to install billboards written in English
- The campaign aims to teach tourists cultural etiquette
Bali officials have launched a public campaign to crack down on inappropriately dressed tourists and travelers who flout local rules and customs.
Known for its clear waters, blue skies and cheap beer, the Indonesian island has long been a favorite destination of Australian holidaymakers, with more than 91,000 travelers flocking to the island in January 2023.
But increasingly, Aussies have become notorious among locals for wreaking havoc on the island with their wild behavior, which is reflected in the nickname ‘Bali bogans’.
Bali Tourism Board chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana on Tuesday announced plans to use billboards to raise awareness and teach tourists how to behave in cultural settings.
Mr Adnyana said the proposal is in the ‘socialisation’ stage as officials await public feedback and gauge support.
Bali officials have announced a plan to build 10 billboards around the island to instruct tourists on how to dress and behave properly (stock image)
The campaign aims to educate tourists about etiquette so that travelers respect Balinese cultural customs (stock image)
“We have been appointed by the government, in this case the Bali Tourism Bureau, to prepare socialization in the form of writing and imagery,” said Adnyana, as reported by The Bali Sun.
‘However, we have to start with a kind of roll call at various points.
“It’s about tourists respecting Balinese cultural customs by dressing well and neatly, following order, carrying out traffic activities and not doing anything outside the stipulations.”
Authorities have confirmed that a minimum of 10 major billboards will be installed where violations are most common, including Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu.
Bali Tourism Board chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana (pictured) said ‘guests are king’ but warned them not to abuse local customs
The billboards have instructions and advice in English, and foreign language billboards are likely to follow.
Adnyana explained that the campaign will help develop Bali into a country that is not considered a destination for tourists to do as they please.
‘Indeed, we are ‘welcome’ and accept everything. Guests are king, but don’t take advantage,” Adnyana said.
He also confirmed that the Tourism Board will engage social media influencers, tourism stakeholders and e-commerce companies to publicize the campaign.
It comes just days after Bali officials launched a specialized task force to find foreign tourists working illegally in the country.