BALI, ULTIMOPARADISO.COM – The 11th Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) officially opened today at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Nusa Dua. Carrying the theme “Preserving Green Nature and Cultural Heritage for the World,” BBTF 2025 welcomes 529 buyers from 45 countries and 499 seller companies, occupying a total of 284 exhibition booths.
The sellers represent seven countries: Indonesia, Spain, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, Namibia, and Thailand. Additionally, 11 Indonesian provinces are participating, including Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, DKI Jakarta, Yogyakarta, West Java, Central Java, Bangka Belitung Islands, Lampung, Riau Islands, and South Sulawesi.
BBTF 2025 opened with a talk show titled “Achieving Sustainable Tourism with Intangible Cultural Heritage,” which highlighted the importance of cultural values and local wisdom as the foundation for responsible tourism in Indonesia.
Talk Show: Embracing Intangible Cultural Heritage
The talk show featured speakers from various disciplines, including:
Jelle Therry, landscape architect and Director of Urban Nature Design, who shared insights on sustainable tourism infrastructure.
Ida Bagus Agung Gunarthawa, founder of Samsara Living Museum in Karangasem, who emphasized the revival of heritage through community-based tourism.
Jean Couteau, a French-born cultural historian and longtime Bali resident, who discussed the challenges of modernization and highlighted the cultural value of temple festivals as intangible heritage.
Hector Busto, representing Marriott Bonvoy, who presented on striking a balance between luxury and sustainability.
The panelists underscored the need for cultural authenticity to attract quality tourism and addressed challenges such as overtourism, environmental degradation, and cultural erosion, especially in Bali.
The Power of Face-to-Face Connection
BBTF 2025 Organizing Committee Chair Putu Winastra emphasized the importance of face-to-face business interactions.
“Digital platforms may offer speed and reach, but offline trade shows like BBTF create unmatched human connection and trust. In-person interactions turn conversations into long-term commitments,” said Winastra.
As Indonesia’s premier international tourism trade fair, BBTF continues to serve as a key platform to promote the nation’s top travel destinations, foster industry collaboration, and support sustainable tourism practices from Bali to the world.
Government Support and Cultural Awards
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a sustainability-based tourism economy that prioritizes environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
“Through a sustainability-driven economy that centers on green initiatives and heritage conservation, Indonesia can unlock its immense potential as a global tourism destination,” she said.
The event’s opening ceremony was marked by the resonant sound of the kulkul, a traditional Balinese bamboo gong, symbolizing unity and collective commitment among stakeholders.
On behalf of more than 30 tourism associations across Bali, Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board, presented three inaugural awards to local changemakers whose lifelong work has advanced environmental preservation, cultural heritage, and the Balinese philosophy of harmony. The awardees were:
I Made Janur Yasa – Sustainable Agriculture & Green Nature Award
Prof. I Made Bandem – Preservation of Heritage Art & Culture Award
Puri Agung Ubud, represented by Tjokorda Gde Putra Sukawati – Guardians of Balinese Philosophy & Cultural Legacy Award
“Bali’s strength lies not only in its beauty, but in its people—those who dedicate their lives to preserving what is sacred, inspiring what is possible, and nurturing what is essential,” said Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana.
Organized by ASITA Bali in collaboration with key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, BBTF 2025 reinforces Indonesia’s position as a leading global tourism destination committed to sustainability and cultural integrity.
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