Topic for July 3 (Mon)

[Kristin55]

Bali Closes Mountains After Tourists' Behavior

Officials in Bali have banned all tourist activity on the island's mountains.

The Indonesian island is one of the most popular tourist spots in the world, with millions visiting every year. However, stories of tourists behaving badly on the island are becoming more and more common.

According to ABC News, over 130 tourists were deported from Bali in the first five months of 2023.

They include a Russian tourist who took a photo of himself wearing nothing from the waist down on Mount Agung, which is a sacred religious site for the Balinese.

To stop people from behaving badly at these sacred places, Wayan Koster, the leader of Bali's local government, has banned mountain climbing and hiking in Bali.

The ban won't become official until it is approved by the Balinese parliament. However, all 22 of Bali's mountains are currently closed to visitors.

Koster has previously talked about ways to stop tourists from behaving badly, such as a ban on tourists renting motorbikes.

But unlike the motorbike ban, which was just for visitors to the island, this new ban would be for both tourists and locals.

This would mean that, except for religious ceremonies or in emergencies, no one would be able to go on the mountains.

But not everyone agrees with Koster's plan.

Tourists bring a lot of money into Bali — before the coronavirus pandemic, tourism was said to make up 60% of the island's economy.

Locals are worried that the ban will stop tourists from visiting.

"Many people come to Bali to see our mountains," a worker from Bali Jungle Trekking, a company that gives mountain tours to tourists, told CNN.

"The government should not ban tourists," added the employee.

1. What are your thoughts on Bali's plan to ban tourist activity on its mountains?

2. Do you find it surprising that the ban applies to both tourists and locals?

3. Are there any popular tourist spots in your country that you think would benefit from a similar ban?

4. Have you ever been to Bali? If so, did you visit any mountains while you were there? If not, would you like to visit someday?

5. Do you enjoy hiking? If so, what are your favorite spots?

6. Do people in your town or city often complain about tourists?

7. What are the most popular activities for tourists in your area?

8. Have you ever visited a place that was negatively impacted by tourism?

9. What advice would you give to someone visiting your country for the first time?