Authorities in the popular Indonesian tourist destination of Bali are planning to introduce a ‘tourist tax’ in a bid to combat the growing plastic pollution.

It was reported that in 2017 the small island recorded in excess of 5.7 million visitors in the year and that figure is continuously on the rise, according to the national tourism ministry. With the threat of pollution becoming a major concern, the country are plotting major changes to their tourism.

Having already banned single-use plastics such as plastic bags, coffee cups and coffee cups, the Jakarta Post claim that a new ‘tourist tax’ has been proposed. Early details appear to show that the few would be $10 (£7.60) and apply to all overseas visitors to the island.

Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali, has confirmed that all money received from the tax would be put to controlling the waste and preserving the island’s natural environment and Balinese culture. “Tourists will understand. They will be happy to pay it as it will be used to strengthen our environment and culture,” he said.

Ida Bagus Purwa Sidemen of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association, told the Guardian: “As long as the levy is used for preserving environment and culture, I think it would not cause a decline in tourist numbers.

“However, if there is no real programme following the implementation of the bylaw, tourists may feel disappointed and it would lead to a decrease in tourist arrivals.”

The news comes just weeks after Italian city Venice announced their intentions to implement a tourist fee of their own.