RAISING INDONESIA ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROGRAM THROUGH TOURISM

With Bali quickly regaining its position as a leading international tourism gateway, industry stakeholders are getting increasingly optimistic that they can take a major part in the Indonesian economy recovery program.

The 8th Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF), which will be held on June 14-17, 2022, received a positive response from various tourism industry players, both domestic and foreign. From Bali and beyond, the accommodation, travel, attractions, and government agencies are ready to showcase the potential of their respective regions and use this annual event as a powerful promotional tool. More than 182 sellers will take the opportunity to develop business through this major trade fair event.

This new BBTF edition focuses on ten provinces – DKI Jakarta, East Kalimantan, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur, North Sumatra, Central Java, North Sulawesi, East Java, Bangka Belitung and Bali of course – and features five priority destinations, namely Toba, Mandalika, Borobudur, Likupang, and Labuan Bajo. Performing arts, local culture, and regional wonders will be showcased during the event.

“Our appreciation goes to the various circles of the Indonesia tourism industry that have chosen BBTF as a reliable business partner – That’s the right step to take advantage of this momentum when the tourism industry is recovering,” said I Putu Winastra, Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Travel Agents Bali Chapter (ASITA) as well as Chairman of the BBTF 2022 committee.

Cooperation from all parties continues to be encouraged after regular international flight routes at Bali  I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport have resumed on February 3, 2022. Since that date, number of passengers and international flights has increased by 232 percent. Ten countries have now already restarted direct connections to and from Bali, namely Japan, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines.

“Bali remains a major attraction for the international tourism sector . We welcome the 228 buyers originated from 29 countries that have registered their participation. Australia, India, France, Philippines, UK, Emirates followed by Germany, Nigeria, US and China are listed as the main international buyers.” added I Putu Winastra.

BBTF held at BICC, Nusa Dua is supported by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia,  the Bali Provincial government and for the first time, the Nigerian Tourism Network. Joining also Kempinski, Melia Bali, Grand Mirage, Samabe, Adiwana Hotel, Sunrise Aventus, and Infinity 8 sponsor the event. The Ubud Hotel Association, Biznet, BIMC, Akasa Coffee, and Krisna Souvenir are also actively on the list.

As in previous years, the promotion of destinations through the signature Post Tour BBTF will be a highlight. Several regencies are participating including Bangli supported by De Umah Bali and KBA Tour, North Bali – directly handled by the Buleleng Regency, and the North Badung – Plaga Village by Bali Sinar Mentari.

Complementing the BBTF event with the theme “Balancing in Harmony”, a talk show will also be held featuring selected speakers from various Bali tourism circles – Discussions will respond to the government’s directive to focus not only on achieving quantitative targets but also on promoting high potential tourist and CHSE-compliant sustainable villages. Talk show will open on June 15 at 10:00 AM with business opportunities in the context of the Indonesia’s economic recovery.