BADUNG, BALINEWS.ID – The 12th Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2026 generated an estimated Rp6.9 trillion (approximately US$420 million) in tourism business potential during its three-day run at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, from May 28–30, underscoring continued global confidence in Bali and Indonesia as leading travel destinations.

Although the figure fell slightly short of the organizers’ Rp7.6 trillion target, BBTF 2026 Chairman I Putu Winastra said the event’s success should be measured by more than transaction values alone.

According to Winastra, Indonesia’s largest business-to-business (B2B) tourism marketplace delivered significant outcomes through new business agreements, market expansion opportunities, strategic partnerships, tourism product development, and increased potential visitor flows to Indonesia.

“This event has generated substantial impacts through business agreements, market expansion, strategic partnerships, tourism product development, and stronger visitor flows to Indonesia,” Winastra said during the closing press conference on Saturday (May 30).

BBTF 2026 brought together 407 international buyers from 44 countries and 286 sellers representing destinations, tourism operators, and businesses from across Indonesia and abroad.

Winastra noted that this year’s event highlighted three important trends shaping the future of Indonesia’s tourism industry.

First, international confidence in Bali and Indonesia remains strong despite global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Second, interest in destinations beyond Bali continues to grow among global travel buyers. Third, buyer behavior is evolving, with international partners becoming increasingly selective when evaluating destinations and tourism products.

According to Winastra, buyers today assess far more than a destination’s attractiveness. Infrastructure readiness, industry professionalism, service consistency, and clear market positioning have become key considerations in purchasing decisions.

“The future of Bali tourism is not only about increasing visitor numbers. It is about creating added value, attracting quality travelers, and maintaining long-term competitiveness,” he said.

Looking ahead, Winastra announced plans to expand the event’s scope in 2027. The 13th edition of the fair is expected to be rebranded as the Bali and Nusra Travel Fair, involving three provinces: Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Scheduled for June 9–11, 2027, the event will carry the theme “Bali and Beyond: Regenerative Travel Elevated.” The concept will focus on regenerative tourism, an approach that goes beyond minimizing tourism’s negative impacts by creating tangible benefits for local communities, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and inclusive economic growth.

Organizers believe the transformation will strengthen collaboration between Bali and neighboring destinations while promoting a more sustainable and balanced tourism model for Eastern Indonesia. (*)