BALI, ULTIMOPARADISO.COM – The 10th Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2024 TRAVEX held from 12th-14th June at Bali International Convention Center (BICC) Nusa Dua, Bali. This year BBTF 2024 theme is about: “Exploring & Experiencing Sense of Indonesia’s beauty” as BBTF responds in relevance to these global market trends with a highlight on Indonesia’s rich potentials from Bali.
BBTF 2024 presents 370 buyers from 45 countries to meet 282 companies as sellers from 8 Countries; Indonesia, Nepal, Timor Leste, China, Usa, Malaysia, South Africa, Iran to include 11 provinces of Indonesia; Regions of Bali, DKI Jakarta, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), West Java, Central Java, Riau Islands, Yogyakarta (DIY), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Bangka Belitung Islands, South Sulawesi, and East Kalimantan, that marking 19% increase from last year’s participation.
“Our commitment to promote and preserve destinations has received a positive response from stakeholders, including major national and international tourism players who have renewed their confidence in the BBTF ability to generate a productive impact and support their market development,” I Putu Winastra the chairman of BBTF 2024 and the chairman of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali Region stated.
“To bring the best Travex experience, BBTF presents a new approach to improve the quality of service to buyers and sellers by upgrading the digital based system to facilitate access using applications on android and iPhone. So that PSA can be done by mobile phone, this system we believe even better than any other event,” he added.
Every Year BBTF held a Tourism Talk Show presenting speakers from different disciplinaries to discuss about the topic of “Preserving Heritage and Pushing Sustainability practices in tourism- Ida Pandita Mpu Brahmananda (Pro. DR. I Gede Pitana, MSc.) to represent as the tourism expert, Indah Yustikarini from Bali provincial tourism office, Pauline Suharno representing Confederation of Indonesia Tourism Association, Handy Heryuditiawan – general manager of International Airport Ngurah Rai Bali.
“Tourism for tomorrow is referring to the combined efforts to protect and maintain cultural, historical and natural assets while promoting responsible and long-term practices that ensure the well-being of the environment and local communities. Generative Tourism is needed to ensure that the future generations can experience and be proud of the historical legacies – our job to ensure we protect and bring the values and meaning of heritage.” Ida Pandita stated. He also addressed the over-tourism that is not Bali positioning right now. Diversification of destinations will help tourists to explore further to East, North and central Bali.
The 10th BBTF 2024 was officially opened with the presence of Indonesia’s Vice Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy of Tourism Products and Events, and Deputy of Tourism Marketing – Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, as well as all stakeholders key industry players.
“The Indonesian government has taken many steps to accelerate the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry. Diversification is key to achieve greater competitiveness as well as enhancing adaptability and resilience. Our focus will also include the support on connectivity, customer experience and digital technology that are crucial in the Tourism sector.” Pahala Nugraha Mansury, vice minister of Foreign Affairs stated in his opening speech as the expression of official support to BBTF.
“The development toward quality and sustainability brings economic growth that brings benefits to the welfare of the community – Bali contributes to 42,2% of Indonesia GDP and employs over 22 million people. MICE business is playing an important role, Bali is a destination for world top end conferences and certainly a benchmark for other destinations,” Vinsensius Jemadu, the deputy of Tourism Products and Events Ministry Tourism and Economy Creative.
The Opening Press Conference presented by newcomer sponsor for BBTF, representative of Bank Indonesia Official Bali Province – G.A Diah Utari, and newcomer seller – the embassy of the Republic of South Africa – Vickesh P Maharaj and was accompanied by the chairman of BBTF 2024 – I Putu Winastra, S.Sos, Bali Government Tourism Office – represented by the Head of Tourism Marketing of Bali Provincial Tourism Office – Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, Ss.,M.Hum, Chairman of Bali Tourism Board – Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, Multi-Property Vice President and General Manager of the Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali – Bali International Convention Centre – Sander Looijen.
BBTF is also encouraging industry stakeholders to become more community-based to create long term value and greater benefits for local people and the environment. This topic brought strong positioning in bringing reputable international buyers through years of network and experience sustainable business partnership or as well as Regenerative tourism that contribute to local ecosystems, economies, and social structures.
Regenerative tourism seeks to leave places better than they were before. It focuses on the restoration, renewal, and revitalization of ecosystems, communities, and cultures through tourism activities. For Bali and Indonesia, incorporating regenerative tourism can be a powerful approach to preserving heritage and ensuring sustainability.
“Creating the continuous awareness will not only strengthen the relationship between buyers, sellers and government officials but also commitment in creating a thriving and sustainable tourism industry. From Bali we create a big impact.” Winastra added to close the press conference.***
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