MALAYSIA, BALINEWSID.COM — Jatiluwih Rice Terraces has once again brought international recognition to Bali and Indonesia after securing a prestigious title at the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025–2026 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

The regional awards program, organized by TIN Media, honors tourism and hospitality industry players across Asia for excellence in innovation, service quality, destination management, and sustainability initiatives.

Now entering its second edition, the awards have grown significantly, featuring more than 250 nominees from nine Asian countries. More than 100,000 public votes were also recorded in determining winners across multiple categories.

During the awards night, Jatiluwih stood out among Asia’s leading tourism destinations by receiving an international accolade that further strengthened its reputation as one of the region’s premier culture and eco-based tourism destinations.

The achievement also extends the long list of global recognitions received by Jatiluwih, which is internationally known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its iconic rice terrace landscape and the traditional Subak irrigation system.

Operational Manager of Jatiluwih Tourist Attraction, John Ketut Purna, expressed pride and appreciation to the local community and tourism stakeholders who have continuously preserved the area’s cultural and environmental heritage.

“The presence of a regional-scale event such as the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards is an important recognition for us. The award received by Jatiluwih tonight proves that our commitment to quality, sustainability, and cultural preservation has gained international acknowledgment,” he said.

According to him, the award is not merely a symbol of achievement, but the result of collective efforts by the people of Jatiluwih in maintaining a balance between tourism development and local traditions.

He emphasized that the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana remains the core foundation in managing the Jatiluwih tourism area, particularly in preserving harmony between people, nature, and spirituality.

“Behind this recognition lies the dedication and sincerity of the local community who work tirelessly every day. In Jatiluwih, our commitment is deeply rooted in Tri Hita Karana, which teaches harmony between humanity, nature, and the Creator. We dedicate this award to all the people of Jatiluwih who continue to safeguard our ancestral heritage,” John added.

Beyond recognizing tourism destinations and hospitality businesses, the awards ceremony also highlighted the important role of tourism frontliners in maintaining service quality across the region.

For Jatiluwih, the latest regional recognition is expected to become fresh motivation to consistently develop sustainable tourism that prioritizes cultural preservation and community welfare.

The event was also held in support of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to strengthen tourism connectivity and collaboration across Southeast Asia.

Tourism industry representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Cambodia attended the gathering, making it an important platform to reinforce regional synergy in building a more sustainable and high-quality Asian tourism industry.

Jatiluwih’s success at the awards event, supported by the Malaysian Association of Hotels, PATA Malaysia Chapter, SKÅL International Kuala Lumpur, and Danang Events and Convention Association — further cements Bali’s position as a world-class tourism destination that offers not only breathtaking natural beauty, but also cultural strength and sustainability values that inspire many countries across Asia. (*)