It was recently reported on Bali Update (www.balidiscovery. com) that Bali’s police chief has issued orders to his subordinates to undertake a complete review of the number of illegal villa operators, including those in Bali’s most remote regions.

In tracking down villas operating outside the law, the police team have been told to scour the Internet where guests are able to find the illegal villas at prices below those charged by competing registered villa operators.

As a result of this practice, the police claim, unhealthy competition has been introduced into the Bali tourist accommodation market and substantial tax revenues needed by the provincial government are lost.

The officers were asked to be vigilant in collecting data on illegal villas and their occupants.

This is a perfect example that should be applied by the Maltese police and the Malta Tourism Authority.

We are experiencing exactly the same situation in Malta and Gozo – browsing the Internet pinpoints plenty of unlicensed properties charging lower rates as they don’t have to pay commercial rates for water and electricity, licences, contribution and VAT.

This unethical competition has to stop once for all to the benefit of law-abiding citizens

and the tourism industry.

Mary Scicluna

Victoria