Bali International airport welcomes over 40 per cent of the total international tourists that comes to Indonesia. Bali’s lucrative tourism industry is the backbone of its economy.
Nearly 5.7 million tourists visited Bali last year. Badung Regency alone in Bali expects to collect a total tourism revenue of 7.2 trillion rupiah during this financial year.
Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in Indonesia is on the right track to lure tourists to Bali, also known as the island of gods, as tourism accounts for about 70 per cent of the province’s income.
The country’s tourism growth rate is on par with the global standard. It is recorded as one of the best in the world and among the top 20 fastest growing travel destinations.
Indonesia is giving a visa-free facility to 169 countries under the new visa regulation. Passport holders of certain countries in the regulation are exempt for having a visa to enter Indonesia.
By 2019, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has set the target to drive Indonesia to become a top 30 nations in the world (an increase of 12 levels) amongst all 141 nations in the Travel & Tourism Competitive Index by the World Economic Forum. “By securing a position in the top 30, we will receive global recognition as a leading destination in the world. Tourism is destined to become the backbone of Indonesia’s economy,” revealed Dr. I Gede Ardhika, Former minister of Culture and Tourism in Indonesia.
Indonesia’s leading International Travel and Tourism Fair, Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2018, held recently in Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Bali.
BBTF brings sellers and buyers together in a single forum annually. This is the 5th year of BBTF — the event was initiated and organised by The Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali chapter and is considered to be one of important Tourism fair in Indonesia.
The travel fair hosted speakers that address the opportunities, trends by the industry insights as well as highlight the diversity of Indonesia’s cultures.
The Ministry of Tourism showcased the new ten potential destinations beyond Bali.
The BBTF also hosted post event tour programme with the support of MoT, another step to let buyers experience the destinations themselves.
“The BBTF represents the full spectrum of tourism at all levels including the hospitality sector, tour operators or travel agencies, national tourism Organisations, convention and visitors bureaus, travel technology firms, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) and corporate travel representatives as well as region’s new destinations,” said Ir. Gde Pitana, Deputy Minister for Marketing.
“Indonesia has introduced new strategies for the travellers to ensure they experience a smooth and personalised visa process,” reveals Gessy Gitapuri, CEO of MichiDe International. The Dubai-based luxury travel expert gave an opportunity to the media and buyers from the Middle East to be a part of the BBTF.
In line with Indonesia envision, BBTF 2018 theme was “Exploring the Colors of Indonesia”. “BBTF aims to advance the tourism industry through business sessions and direcet promotion of the best practices in the MICE and leisure management. We work together with various industries to arrange MICE, added Ir. Gde Pitana.