Shaping the Future of Tourism at the 11th Bali & Beyond Travel Fair 2025
Bali, Indonesia – The 11th edition of the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2025 concluded on June 13 at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) in Nusa Dua, bringing together hundreds of travel industry professionals under the vision of fostering sustainable, culinary-led tourism in Indonesia. Established as the country’s premier international B2B travel marketplace, BBTF 2025 underscored Indonesia’s commitment to responsible tourism growth and cross-cultural collaboration.
A Gathering of Global Tourism Stakeholders
The event attracted 529 buyers from 45 countries alongside 499 sellers and exhibitors showcasing destinations across Indonesia’s archipelago. This vibrant assembly of tourism stakeholders reflected the fair’s increasing influence in connecting international markets with Indonesia’s rich and diverse travel offerings.
I Putu Winastra, Chairman of BBTF 2025 and Bali Regional Chairman of ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies), expressed pride in the event’s contribution to Indonesia’s tourism sector. “BBTF is proud to contribute to the sustained growth of Indonesia’s tourism sector by building a trusted platform that connects markets, strengthens partnerships, and showcases our rich and diverse destinations,” he said. Winastra credited the support from Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bali Provincial Government, and multiple industry partners for the event’s success.
Combining Business with Authentic Experiences
BBTF 2025 offered more than just business meetings. Its unique format integrated curated trade discussions with immersive post-show tours, enabling buyers to engage with sellers through authentic cultural storytelling and experiential travel. This hands-on approach facilitates deeper understanding, collaborative product development, and nurtures long-term partnerships rooted in genuine insight into Indonesia’s local ecosystems and communities.
Landmark Partnership with Namibia
A highlight of the fair was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ASITA Bali and the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB). This agreement establishes a long-term partnership focused on mutual tourism development. It includes familiarisation trips, joint workshops, influencer and media exchanges, collaborative tour packages, and social responsibility initiatives.
The MoU is designed as a non-commercial framework fostering sustainable collaboration, promoting reciprocal participation in exhibitions, training, and promotional efforts. This milestone signals Indonesia’s growing engagement with international counterparts beyond the region to enhance global tourism cooperation.
Commitment to Sustainable and High-Quality Tourism
Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, Head of Marketing at the Bali Government Tourism Office, emphasized BBTF’s role in supporting Bali’s strategic tourism dispersal policies. “We continue to develop integrated travel patterns across Bali’s regencies to promote dispersal and prevent overcrowding – BBTF supports this shift toward sustainable and high-quality tourism,” she noted.
Christopher Chung, Senior Director of Sales & Distribution for Indonesia and Malaysia at Marriott Bonvoy, highlighted his company’s five-year partnership with BBTF. Through their ‘Bali to Bali’ initiative, Marriott demonstrates commitment to sustainability and collaboration by working alongside local suppliers, reflecting a shared vision for consistent and responsible tourism growth.
Looking Ahead: BBTF 2026 Focus on Gastronomy and Heritage
The organisers 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. With the theme, “Redefining Indonesia’s Gastronomy Journey: A Celebration of Taste, Culture, and Sustainable Heritage,” next year’s event will spotlight Indonesia’s culinary heritage as a vital tourism frontier.
I Putu Winastra explained that gastronomy represents more than food—it is a gateway to understanding heritage, connecting with communities, and preserving culture. “Food tourism can empower communities, support biodiversity, and offer deeper, more conscious travel experiences,” he said.
In a departure from tradition, BBTF 2026 will replace its typical tourism talk show with an elegant Welcome Dinner held at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, setting a warm and personal tone for the event.
BBTF’s Role as a Catalyst for Cultural and Environmental Stewardship
Building on its reputation as a key marketplace, BBTF has expanded into a policy-influencing platform aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It advocates for low-impact, high-value tourism that respects cultural authenticity and fosters environmental stewardship—core values increasingly important in a post-pandemic travel landscape.
While digital platforms allow broader global access, BBTF speakers underscored the unique value of face-to-face engagement in building trust, fostering meaningful dialogue, and turning conversations into lasting commitments.
Join the Next Chapter of Indonesia’s Tourism Journey
With early bird registration now open for BBTF 2026, travel industry professionals are invited to join a new tourism era shaped by culture, cuisine, and conscious collaboration.
For more information and registration, please contact:
Email: info@bbtf.co.id
Website: www.bbtf.co.id
The Bali & Beyond Travel Fair continues to set the tone for sustainable, high-quality tourism in Indonesia and serves as an essential platform for fostering lasting global partnerships.
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