NUSA DUA, ULTIMOPARADISO.COM – The 11th edition of the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) officially concluded today at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Nusa Dua, reaffirming its position as Indonesia’s premier international B2B travel marketplace. The event brought together over 529 buyers from 45 countries and 499 sellers from across the Indonesian archipelago.
A closing press conference, led by I Putu Winastra, S.AB, M.A.P.—Head of the BBTF 2025 Committee and Chairman of ASITA Bali—alongside representatives from buyers, sellers, and exhibitors, highlighted the strategic value and increasing global impact of the trade fair.
“BBTF continues to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of Indonesia’s tourism by fostering strong partnerships, expanding market reach, and promoting our diverse destinations,” said Winastra. “With support from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bali Provincial Government, and industry stakeholders, BBTF remains a powerful bridge between Indonesia and the global tourism market—starting from Bali.”
This year, BBTF generated an estimated transaction value of IDR 7.84 trillion, a 3% increase from the IDR 7.61 trillion recorded in 2024. The growth came despite rising airfare costs and shifting travel trends. Notably, there was increased participation from emerging markets, reflecting a growing demand for destination knowledge and product offerings. Organizers anticipate expanded seller participation from beyond Bali in 2026, with more Indonesian provinces expected to join.
Meaningful B2B Connections and Bilateral Cooperation
Over three days, curated B2B sessions facilitated productive engagement between global buyers and Indonesian tourism businesses. First-time buyer Sebulon Chiliho Chicalu from Namibia praised the fair, stating:
“This has been a meaningful opportunity to understand Indonesia beyond Bali. We’ve gained deep insights into the tourism products and connected with passionate people behind them. We’re particularly interested in village and community-based tourism. BBTF has exceeded our expectations—both in generating business leads and providing lessons in sustainability. We plan to return next year with more Namibian operators and explore collaborative initiatives with Indonesian counterparts.”
Highlighting BBTF’s role in fostering international collaboration, ASITA Bali and the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote tourism. The agreement outlines long-term collaboration through familiarization trips, workshops, B2B meetings, media and influencer exchanges, destination development, joint packages, CSR projects, and professional training—without immediate financial obligations.
Sellers and Exhibitors Acknowledge BBTF’s Strategic Impact
“This trade fair is not just a platform for promotion—it’s a learning experience,” said Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, SS., M.Hum., Head of Marketing at the Bali Government Tourism Office. “Bali must continue refining its tourism strategy, diversifying travel patterns across regencies to ease congestion in central tourist areas. BBTF helps us do exactly that—promote a sustainable, high-quality tourism model.”
Ririn Sari Dewi, S.IP, M.Si., from the East Kalimantan Provincial Tourism Office added, “BBTF offers a strategic platform to showcase East Borneo’s natural wonders and cultural assets. Our participation last year led to a notable increase in international interest.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Komang Artana from Cross Hotel said, “BBTF’s consistent ability to bring in international buyers boosts sellers’ confidence and helps our properties grow.”
Sponsors Commit to Supporting Authentic and Sustainable Tourism
Bali Tropic Resort & Spa’s Resort Manager, I Gusti Made Sudiarsa, shared: “For 25 years, we have championed Bali’s cultural heritage. BBTF remains vital to reaching premium markets seeking authentic experiences.”
Christopher Chung, Senior Director of Sales & Distribution Indonesia & Malaysia at Marriott Bonvoy, added: “Our five-year partnership with BBTF reflects our shared values. Through initiatives like ‘Bali to Bali’—supporting local producers and sustainability—we aim to inspire broader industry change. BBTF is a cornerstone event in our calendar.”
BBTF 2026: Honoring Indonesia’s Culinary Heritage
At the closing ceremony, the committee officially announced that BBTF 2026 will return on 28–30 May 2026 at BICC Nusa Dua with the theme:
“Redefining Indonesia’s Gastronomy Journey: A Celebration of Taste, Culture, and Sustainable Heritage.”
The upcoming edition will spotlight gastronomy as a transformative tourism experience that connects visitors with nature, culture, and local communities.
“Food is more than taste—it is a gateway to heritage, a bridge between people, and a tool for preservation,” said Winastra. “This theme reflects our belief in food tourism’s ability to empower communities, support biodiversity, and offer deeper, more meaningful travel experiences.”
In a format refresh, next year’s event will open with a Welcome Dinner at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua—replacing the traditional Tourism Talkshow for a more intimate and immersive kickoff.
Driving Responsible, High-Value Travel
BBTF 2026 aims to promote food tourism as a driver of responsible travel by highlighting culinary traditions rooted in local ecosystems and communities. The goal is to support small producers, foster sustainable food systems, and attract conscious travelers seeking authentic, high-value experiences.
Media and Strategic Partnerships
The BBTF organizing committee extends its sincere appreciation to all media partners—including TTG Asia, Travel & Tour World, Travline Media, Bali Buddies, Indo Buddies, and the wider national and international press—for their unwavering support in positioning BBTF as Indonesia’s flagship international travel fair.
For more information on BBTF 2026, please visit: https://www.bbtf.co.id
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