Small Bali Fishing Village Honored as One of the Best Tourism Destinations by UN World Tourism Organisation
October 23, 2025
Bali — In a prestigious recognition spotlighting sustainable and community-centric travel, a small fishing village in Bali has been named among the world’s Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The announcement was made during the 2025 awards ceremony held in Huzhou, China, highlighting Bali’s continued prominence as a leader in cultural and eco-friendly tourism.
Pemuteran Village Shines on the Global Stage
This year, Pemuteran Tourism Village, located in Buleleng Regency in North Bali, has earned international acclaim for its outstanding dedication to marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices. Known for its serene coastal environment, Pemuteran has been recognized as one of 52 winning villages globally out of an initial pool representing 75 countries. The accolade not only reflects Pemuteran’s natural beauty but also its successful community-led efforts to protect and restore marine ecosystems.
Indonesian Deputy for Destination Development and Infrastructure at the Ministry of Tourism, Hariyanto, accepted the award on behalf of Pemuteran’s community. The recognition follows a rigorous evaluation process, where villages must thoroughly detail their tourism models, emphasizing sustainability and community involvement.
Community Collaboration and Marine Conservation at the Forefront
The Head of the Buleleng Tourism Office, Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, praised the collaborative spirit that united community members, local businesses, and government bodies in driving Pemuteran’s success. This partnership, he noted, has enabled the village to implement significant coral restoration projects over the past decade, resulting in healthier reefs and thriving marine life that form the backbone of Pemuteran’s diving tourism.
“Underwater conservation, coral reef maintenance, and collaboration among the community, enterprises, and the government distinguish Pemuteran as a standout tourism village,” stated Askara. He also expressed optimism that the award would boost visitor numbers and further enhance the local economy, culture, and environmental preservation efforts.
The Impact of Previous Awards on Bali’s Tourism Villages
Bali’s track record with the UNWTO Best Tourism Village Awards has been strong in recent years. Villages like Penglipuran in Bangli Regency and Jatiluwih in Tabanan Regency have previously earned this honor, reaping benefits such as increased international visibility and strategic development support from the UNWTO. The prestigious award recognizes not just one but multiple villages each year, providing winners with resources to enhance sustainable tourism.
North Bali’s Emerging Tourism Potential
While areas like South Bali have long been tourism hubs, the recognition of Pemuteran Village highlights the growing importance of North Bali as a sustainable tourism destination. The region, which includes other notable locations such as Lovina Beach and the serene retreat of Munduk, is gaining interest for its natural beauty and cultural authenticity.
Travelers are encouraged to visit Pemuteran to experience top-tier scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities embedded within a community committed to preserving its ecological heritage. Lovina and Munduk also offer complementary experiences, from relaxed coastal atmospheres to tranquil mountain escapes.
Looking Ahead
As Pemuteran Village joins the ranks of the world’s best tourism communities, local authorities and stakeholders plan to increase promotional activities and infrastructure development to welcome more visitors. These efforts aim to balance tourism growth with the sustainable preservation of Bali’s unique environment and cultural richness.
Pemuteran’s accolade serves as both a celebration of community achievement and a model for future tourism strategies focused on responsible development and environmental stewardship—principles increasingly critical in today’s global travel landscape.
For those interested in exploring emerging and sustainable destinations in Bali, Pemuteran Village offers a rewarding combination of natural wonders and a heartfelt commitment to protecting the island’s marine heritage. This recognition from the UNWTO clearly marks it as a must-visit spot for conscientious travelers seeking authentic experiences.
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