Small Bali Fishing Village Honored as One of the Best Tourism Destinations by UNWTO
October 23, 2025 — A small fishing village in Bali has gained international recognition as one of the best tourism destinations in the world, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Pemuteran Tourism Village, located in Buleleng Regency in North Bali, was officially named among the top 52 Best Tourism Villages globally in the 2025 UNWTO Best Tourism Village Awards.
A Prestigious Global Recognition
The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village Awards celebrate community-led tourism villages that exemplify sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovative tourism models. Annually, the competition attracts approximately 300 villages worldwide, which are then rigorously evaluated and narrowed down to a select list of outstanding destinations. In 2025, villages from 75 countries participated, with Pemuteran standing out for its commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism.
The awards ceremony took place in Huzhou, China, where the Indonesian Deputy for Destination Development and Infrastructure at the Ministry of Tourism, Hariyanto, accepted the award on behalf of the Pemuteran community.
Pemuteran: A Model for Marine Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
Pemuteran Village is widely recognized for its innovative efforts in marine conservation, specifically coral restoration and reef protection. Over the past decade, the village and its surrounding waters have served as a crucial site for coral restoration projects that have significantly revived marine biodiversity.
Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, Head of the Buleleng Tourism Office, emphasized the village’s unique approach: “Underwater conservation, coral reef maintenance, and collaboration between the community, businesses, and the government are the hallmarks of Pemuteran Village compared to other tourist villages.” Askara further noted that these efforts have contributed to the village’s success in the award competition.
Collaborative Efforts Drive Success
Winning the Best Tourism Village Award requires more than popularity; it demands extensive documentation and evidence of sustainable tourism models. The application process involves detailed profiling of the village’s tourism strategies, including cultural, environmental, and economic considerations.
Askara praised the cooperative spirit among community members, local business leaders, and supporting agencies, whose joint efforts have been essential in achieving this prestigious recognition.
Positive Impacts and Future Prospects
The award is expected to bring increased international attention to Pemuteran, boosting visitor numbers while promoting economic growth, cultural enrichment, and environmental stewardship within the community. North Bali, including Pemuteran, is becoming a focal point for tourism development in Bali, with authorities recognizing its potential as an emerging hotspot that offers authentic experiences away from more commercialized southern regions.
Tourists visiting North Bali are encouraged to explore Pemuteran Village not only for its renowned scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities but also to immerse themselves in the genuine Balinese culture preserved by the local community. Nearby destinations like Lovina Beach and the serene highlands of Munduk also offer diverse experiences ranging from tranquil beach vibes to natural retreats.
Bali’s Continued Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
This accolade reinforces Bali’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable and community-driven tourism. Earlier winners from the island, such as Penglipuran Village in Bangli and Jatiluwih Village in Tabanan, have similarly benefited from increased tourism and strategic development support following their recognition.
As Bali prepares to welcome more travelers in the coming years, Pemuteran’s success story underlines the island’s dedication to balancing tourism growth with cultural preservation and environmental responsibility.
For travelers seeking unique and meaningful destinations, Pemuteran offers an inspiring example of how local communities can thrive by embracing sustainability and heritage in their tourism approach.
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