BADUNG, BALINEWSID.COM – Indonesia’s tourism industry received a major boost as the 12th Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2026 officially opened at the Bali International Convention Centre, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, on Wednesday (May 28), bringing together hundreds of global tourism stakeholders and marking one of the largest international buyer gatherings ever recorded in the country.

The annual travel trade exhibition was inaugurated by Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Provincial Government of Bali, and the Provincial Government of Jakarta.

BBTF 2026 Chairman and Bali Chapter Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA), I Putu Winastra, revealed that this year’s edition successfully attracted 407 international buyers from 44 countries, a milestone he described as an extraordinary achievement for Indonesia’s tourism sector.

“This year we managed to bring 407 buyers from 44 countries. It is an exceptional accomplishment, considering that very few tourism events have been able to attract even more than 200 international tour operators,” Winastra said during the opening ceremony.

Carrying the theme “Redefining Indonesia’s Gastronomy Journey: A Celebration of Taste, Culture, and Sustainable Heritage,” BBTF 2026 places gastronomy at the forefront of Indonesia’s tourism promotion strategy, highlighting the nation’s rich culinary traditions as a gateway to cultural discovery and authentic travel experiences.

According to Winastra, gastronomy goes far beyond food. It serves as an entry point for international visitors to understand Indonesia’s diverse cultures, traditions, heritage, and local communities.

This year’s fair features 286 sellers representing 13 Indonesian provinces and four countries. Throughout the three-day event, participants engage in pre-scheduled business appointments, networking sessions, and destination promotion activities aimed at strengthening tourism partnerships.

Winastra emphasized that BBTF has evolved into more than a conventional travel exhibition. He described the event as a strategic business platform that fosters trust, accountability, and long-term partnerships between Indonesian tourism stakeholders and international markets.

“BBTF is not merely a meeting place for buyers and sellers. It is a platform for building trust, accountability, and sustainable partnerships,” he said.

The international buyers attending the event are key decision-makers within the global travel industry, possessing extensive distribution networks capable of bringing thousands of visitors to Indonesia each year.

Beyond benefiting hotels and large tourism operators, BBTF also creates opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, gastronomy-based businesses, wellness tourism providers, transportation operators, and community-based tourism destinations across the country.

The opening evening showcased Bali’s cultural heritage through the presentation of Megibung, a traditional communal dining experience originating from Karangasem in East Bali. The cultural program was presented in collaboration with Marriott International Group and The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali.

In Balinese culture, Megibung symbolizes togetherness, equality, and mutual respect. The tradition was reimagined within a modern hospitality setting, offering international buyers a deeper understanding of Bali’s cultural values.

The official opening ceremony was marked by the symbolic striking of a traditional mortar and pestle, accompanied by the sounding of the Balinese kulkul, representing unity and collaboration among communities.

BBTF 2026 also highlights interregional cooperation through the participation of Jakarta as a co-host partner. Organizers believe the partnership strengthens Indonesia’s position as a multi-destination tourism country, with Bali serving as the gateway to other destinations nationwide.

Amid global challenges ranging from geopolitical uncertainty to changing travel patterns and increasing expectations for tourism services, BBTF 2026 delivers a strong message that Indonesia’s tourism future will be defined not only by visitor numbers but also by quality, culture, sustainability, and market confidence.

During the event, held from May 28 to 30, international buyers are also invited to join a series of post-tour programs exploring destinations such as Lombok and Sumbawa, community-based tourism attractions in Bali, the Thousand Islands near Jakarta, Explore Badung experiences, and visits to Sababay Winery, which showcases locally produced Balinese wine and Indonesian gastronomy.

With Bali continuing to serve as Indonesia’s primary tourism gateway, BBTF 2026 is expected to further strengthen the country’s connectivity with global markets while expanding economic opportunities across the national tourism industry. (*)