Shaping the Future of Tourism at the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair 2025
Bali, Indonesia – June 13, 2025
The 11th edition of the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) concluded on June 13, 2025, at the Bali International Convention Center in Nusa Dua, showcasing a renewed vision for sustainable, culinary-led tourism. Recognized as Indonesia’s premier international B2B travel marketplace, this year’s BBTF once again solidified its position as a vital platform that bridges global travel markets with Indonesia’s rich and diverse tourism offerings.
A Gathering of Global Stakeholders
BBTF 2025 brought together an impressive number of participants, including 529 buyers representing 45 countries and 499 sellers and exhibitors from across Indonesia’s extensive archipelago. This diverse attendance demonstrated the fair’s continued appeal and influence in facilitating critical business connections between Indonesia and the international travel industry.
I Putu Winastra, chairman of BBTF 2025 and Bali regional chairman of ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies), highlighted the event’s importance:
“BBTF proudly contributes to the sustained growth of Indonesia’s tourism sector by creating a trusted platform that connects markets, strengthens partnerships, and showcases our rich destinations. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bali Provincial Government, and numerous industry stakeholders, BBTF continues to serve as a powerful bridge between Indonesia and the world—starting from Bali.”
Business, Culture, and Sustainable Tourism in Harmony
BBTF offers a distinctive approach by combining curated business meetings with immersive post-show tours. These enable international buyers not only to negotiate and forge partnerships but also to engage deeply with Indonesian culture and destinations through authentic storytelling, cultural immersion, and collaborative product development.
A highlight of this year’s fair was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ASITA Bali and the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB). This historic agreement establishes a long-term tourism partnership focused on familiarization trips, workshops, influencer and media exchanges, collaborative tour packages, and social responsibility initiatives. Notably, the MoU is a non-commercial commitment designed to foster sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation, including joint participation in exhibitions, training programs, and promotional activities.
Insights from Key Industry Leaders
Echoing the sentiment of sustainable tourism development, Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, head of Marketing at the Bali Government Tourism Office, emphasized:
“BBTF helps us align with diverse market expectations and refine Bali’s global competitiveness. We are actively developing integrated travel patterns across Bali’s regencies to encourage tourist dispersal and prevent overcrowding. BBTF is integral to advancing sustainable and high-quality tourism.”
Christopher Chung, Senior Director of Sales & Distribution for Indonesia and Malaysia at Marriott Bonvoy, reaffirmed the partnership’s value:
“Our five-year collaboration with BBTF underscores the strategic importance of this event. Through our initiative ‘Bali to Bali’, we work closely with local suppliers, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, consistency, and collaboration.”
Looking Ahead: BBTF 2026
During the closing ceremony, the organizing committee officially announced that the 12th edition of BBTF will take place from May 28 to 30, 2026, once again at the Bali International Convention Center. The upcoming theme will be:
“Redefining Indonesia’s Gastronomy Journey: A Celebration of Taste, Culture, and Sustainable Heritage.”
This theme signifies BBTF’s increasing focus on Indonesia’s culinary heritage as an emerging frontier in tourism. It aims to highlight how food connects travelers with local ecosystems, traditions, and communities, thereby fostering deeper cultural understanding and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
I Putu Winastra shared his thoughts on the new focus, stating:
“Gastronomy is more than just taste—it is a lens through which we understand heritage, connect with people, and preserve cultures. We believe food tourism can empower communities, support biodiversity, and offer more conscious travel experiences.”
In a departure from tradition, the usual tourism talk show will be replaced at BBTF 2026 by an elegant Welcome Dinner at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. This change is designed to create a warmer, more personal atmosphere setting the tone for the event.
BBTF’s Role in Sustainable Tourism and Industry Dialogue
BBTF stands out not just as a vital marketplace but also as a platform influencing tourism policy and advocating for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By promoting low-impact, high-value tourism that emphasizes cultural authenticity and environmental stewardship, BBTF helps shape a responsible future for global tourism.
Though digital platforms continue to broaden travel industry reach, BBTF participants agree that face-to-face engagements uniquely foster trust and meaningful, long-lasting partnerships. As such, BBTF remains a place where dialogue transforms into action and business connections evolve into enduring alliances.
Join BBTF 2026
Early bird registration for the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair 2026 is now open. Industry professionals and stakeholders are invited to be part of this vibrant event that celebrates culture, cuisine, and sustainable collaboration in tourism.
For more information, contact info@bbtf.co.id or visit www.bbtf.co.id.
The Bali & Beyond Travel Fair continues to be a beacon for sustainable tourism innovation, uniting global players with Indonesian destinations and fostering partnerships that honor cultural heritage and environmental care.
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