Bali Asks Airbnb to Remove Illegal Villas and Unlicensed Accommodations

The Bali Provincial Government has called on digital accommodation booking platforms such as Airbnb to be more selective in listing accommodations in Bali, particularly villas and properties operating without proper licenses or tax compliance.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster emphasized that all tourism businesses promoted through digital platforms must comply with local regulations in order to support a high-quality, well-managed, and culturally based tourism industry in Bali.

During a meeting with Airbnb Southeast Asia representatives in Denpasar, Governor Koster urged the platform to remove illegal accommodations that do not possess official business permits or fail to fulfill tax obligations. According to him, it is unfair for the Bali provincial government and local communities to bear the full responsibility of maintaining Bali’s tourism quality while businesses benefiting from the industry contribute little in return.

He stressed that Bali remains open to tourism investment and business opportunities, but all operators must comply with the applicable regulations. The provincial government is also encouraging Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) to support the foreign tourist levy program and ensure that all tourism-related businesses listed on their platforms are fully licensed.

Koster noted that the rapid growth of unlicensed villas and residential properties being converted into tourist accommodations without paying taxes has negatively impacted Bali. Meanwhile, the local government continues to invest significant resources in maintaining environmental cleanliness, preserving Balinese culture, and protecting the overall quality of the island’s tourism sector.

In response, representatives from Airbnb Southeast Asia expressed their commitment to complying with all regulations in Bali and encouraging all accommodation partners on the platform to follow licensing and taxation requirements.