The estimated transaction value at BBTF 2025 reached IDR 7,84 trillion making a 3 percent increase compared to the IDR 7,61 trillion produced in 2024. The increase came despite challenges such as rising airfare costs, which influenced shifts in travel destinations. This year also saw a rise in participation from emerging markets, creating a greater demand for destination and product knowledge. Looking forward, organizers anticipate broader seller participation from regions beyond Bali in 2026 with more provinces joining. 

B2B Engagement and Global Confidence

Throughout the three-day event, curated B2B meetings allowed for productive engagement between international buyers and Indonesian sellers. First-time buyer Sebulon Chiliho Chicalu from Namibia shared his excitement:

“This has been a meaningful opportunity to understand Indonesia’s depth beyond Bali. So much learning about the products and get to know the people behind it. Our interest also on the village and communities’ tourism. BBTF has exceeded our business expectations and will continue generating strong leads but also offered valuable lessons in environmental preservation and tourism sustainability. This knowledge exchange brought confirmed plans to return next year with a larger team of Namibian operators, as well as to invite Indonesian and Balinese counterparts and media to develop similar initiatives in Namibia.”

To strengthen bilateral tourism relations to the economies and strong cultural and friendship, today ASITA Bali and the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) Africa country, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for promoting tourism in both countries. Aiming to provide a long-term mutual benefit that covering familiarization trips, workshops and B2B meetings, influencer and media exchanges, new area development, and joint tour packages. The partnership also fosters social-responsibility projects, private-sector participation in exhibitions and festivals, professional training programs, and shared promotional materials—all as guiding principles without imposing immediate financial commitments.

Sellers Recognize BBTF’s Strategic Value

“This trade show is a learning experience because sellers, exhibitors from 8 regencies and city need to respond to the market expectations. Bali as the world destination will always need to refine and maintain our positioning with competitive edge. We develop travel pattern with regencies and encourage tourists to explore destinations to avoid compressed tourism area – BBTF helps us to do so and promote a rising sustainable and quality destination,” said Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, SS., M.Hum, the Head of Marketing, Bali Government Tourism Office.

Also added as an exhibitor is East Kalimantan Provincial Tourism Office, Ririn Sari Dewi, S.IP, M.Si “BBTF provides a strategic opportunity for East Borneo for rising domestic tourism focusing on nature and to introduce its rich cultural and tradition assets—the results of our last participation at BBTF brought increase in international clients.”

The same feedback from Cross Hotel management, Komang Artana, “consistency of BBTF to bring international buyers, build confidences for sellers to participate and keep on growing our properties.” 

• Jelle Therry, landscape architect and director of Urban Nature Design, shared insights on tourism infrastructure.
• Ida Bagus Agung Gunarthawa discussed reviving heritage through community-based tourism at the Samsara Living Museum in Karangasem, East Bali, emphasizing the importance of bringing local wisdom and philosophy to life.
• Jean Couteau, a French-born, long-term Bali resident, cultural historian, writer, and art expert, addressed the challenges of modern life in Bali while highlighting the value of temple festivals as invaluable intangible heritage.
• Hector Busto, representing Marriott Bonvoy, presented on balancing luxury with sustainability.

All panelists underscored the importance of cultural authenticity in driving demand and explored strategies to address challenges such as overtourism, environmental stress, and cultural dilution—particularly in Bali. The session provided a forum for public–private alignment, best-practice sharing, and reinforcing global buyer confidence in Indonesia’s leadership.

“While digital platforms offer reach and speed, offline trade shows like BBTF create unmatched human connection and trust. Face-to-face interactions turn conversations into long-term commitments—bringing the tourism business to life through shared purpose, storytelling, and presence.”-I Putu Winastra, The Head Commitee of the BBTF 2025.

BBTF is recognized as Indonesia’s leading international travel and tourism trade fair, bringing together buyers and sellers from around the globe. It aims to promote Indonesia’s tourism destinations, strengthen industry partnerships, and support quality and sustainable tourism practices for a better future, all from Bali. The event is organized by the Association of Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali in collaboration with key stakeholders from the government and private sector.

During the opening ceremony, Bali tourism stakeholders underscored BBTF’s critical role in forging high-value, responsible partnerships between Indonesian sellers and international buyers. This year’s theme reinforces Indonesia’s commitment to protecting green nature and cultural heritage while enhancing Bali’s governance, investment readiness, and destination resilience.

“Through a sustainability-based economy centered on green initiatives and heritage preservation, Indonesia will be able to unlock its immense potential as a global tourism destination,”
affirmed Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, reiterating the government’s pledge to marry economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural safeguarding.

The opening was solemnly marked by the resonant call of the kulkul, the traditional Balinese bamboo gong, symbolizing unity and collective commitment among all stakeholders.

As of 21 March 2025, BBTF recorded participation from 192 sellers across 6 provinces (Bali, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara), with 228 exhibitor booths from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Namibia. A total of 206 buyers from 38 countries have registered, including new buyers from Mauritius and Lithuania, UAE, Australia, France, Philippines, and India.

BBTF 2025 will serve as a strategic platform for collaboration between government, industry players, and the global tourism community. Three key programs featured this year include:

• Post Tour Signature Program – destination promotion through curated travel experiences.
• Talkshow & Knowledge Sharing – expert-led discussions on global trends and sustainable strategies.
• Networking & Exhibition – expanding international networks, including to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

Chairman of BBTF 2025 and ASITA Bali, I Putu Winastra, S.AB, M.A.P. stated:
“BBTF is more than a business meeting. It is a strategic platform to position Bali as a leader in quality and sustainable tourism, while attracting premium travelers and high-value investments participating in preserving the green nature of Bali and its heritage.”

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to driving quality tourism through a focus on sustainability, equitable economic impact, and cultural and environmental preservation. Two of the priority programs she emphasized are the Clean Tourism Movement, which focuses on waste management and sanitation at tourism destinations, and the 3B tourism corridor (Banyuwangi–West Bali–North Bali), designed to ease pressure on South Bali and promote more balanced visitor distribution.

“Quality tourism is not only about increasing the number of visits, but also about managing growth responsibly. Through the Clean Tourism Movement and the 3B tourism corridor, we aim to ensure that every destination in Indonesia grows on a strong foundation—cleanliness, sustainability, and active community participation,” said Ni Luh Puspa.

These programs align with the national tourism strategy that places sustainability and culture at the core of Indonesia’s tourism development.

In support of this vision, Bali’s “One Island, One Management Pattern” policy introduced by the Governor and explained by Tjok Bagus Pemayun highlights three main priorities: waste management, traffic mitigation, and land-use control—all in line with the commitment of environmental and cultural preservation.

Balinese philologist and cultural figure Sugi Lanus stressed the importance of returning to Bali’s cultural roots before pushing mass tourism. He emphasized that local philosophy and wisdom, such as the values embedded in the 10^th-century Blanjong Inscription, should form the foundation for building an authentic and sustainable tourism model.

Chairman of GIPI Bali and BTB, Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, highlighted Bali’s leadership in tourism transformation through product diversification, digital adoption, and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen its global competitiveness.

On the sustainability front– General Manager of The Nusa Dua, I Made Agus Dwiatmika shared insights on infrastructure projects that promote sustainable tourism. Managed by ITDC, The Nusa Dua operates a wastewater treatment plant that recycles more than 3,200 m³ of water daily and is building a 500-kW waste-to-energy facility. Meanwhile, Hotel Manager of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali – BICC, Marco Di Pasquale demonstrated the hotel management’s commitment through initiatives such as organic composting, plastic reduction, and strong community engagement programs.

Tourism security is also a top priority. Kombes Pol. Musni Arifin, S.I.K., M.H., Director of Vital Object Protection at Bali Regional Police, stated:
“We are committed to enhancing tourism safety through increased patrols, surveillance, and the launch of a Mobile Police Tourism and Tourism Center to address tourist-related issues and ensure comfort and security for both visitors and locals.”

For more information about BBTF 2025, please visit the website https://www.bbtf.co.id/

“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.

For more information about BBTF 2024, please visit the website https://www.bbtf.co.id/

As part of the commitments on sustainable tourism, BBTF is encouraging industry stakeholders to become more community-based to create long term value and greater benefits for local people and environment. This topic brought strong positioning in bringing reputable international buyers through years of network and sustainable business partnership. 

BBTF 2024 facilitates 460 buyers from 45 countries to meet 282 sellers from Bali and other part of Indonesia.

“As the leading annual trade show in Indonesia, BBTF holds significant importance to promote the diversity of exceptional tourism destinations, this also contributing to the growth and development of Bali’s tourism sector.” I Putu Winastra, the head committee of BBTF 2024 stated.

Exploring & Experiencing Sense of Indonesia’s Beauty

The event will be held on June 12th-14th, 2024 at Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) in the presence of the Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Economy Creative, Ministry Foreign Affairs, Bali Government Province, Bali Tourism Board and Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies – ASITA Bali chapter.

The trust of key market players in BBTF organization is also expressed by the expected attendance of reputable hotel operators such as Marriott International group, Archipelago International group, Accor, Ubud Hotel Association (UHA), Swiss-Belhotel International, Melia Hotel International, Hotel Indonesia Group, Louvre Hotels Group, Kempinski Hotels Chain, among many other high-ranking companies and associations as sellers.

This year some new integrated industry from state-owned enterprises will join BBTF such as Bali International Hospital will be joining BBTF – also first time for Surakarta city government, then F&B Operator such as Taurus Gemilang, Beach Club such as Potato Head and other exciting Indonesian exhibitors who are mostly repeat sellers from BBTF in the previous year – both from Government and industry.

In response to market trend, BBTF will showcase and promote sustainable tourism products for a responsible future, nature tourism, rural tourism and gastronomy tourism. Further, particular focus is also being given to health, emphasizing the current growth of the wellness and medical tourism industry as well as community-based tourism.

Business contracts to be generated within one year during our B2B event are estimated to reach IDR 6,7 trillion in 2023, showing a 29,7 percent increase compared to the IDR 5,2 trillion produced in 2022. A very promising progress that hopefully will keep on growing in months ahead.

A very promising progress that is expected to continue to increase in the coming months. So that this year we are targeting IDR 8.1 trillion in business contracts generated from this event.

Destination promotion with BBTF’s signature Post Tour highlights:
1. Post Tour Labuan Bajo and Borobudur hosted by Marriott International for 15 participants each,
2. Post Tour to Bangli for 10 participants & Post tour to Bongkasa for 15 participants hosted by KBA Tours & De Umah Bali,
3. Post Tour Badung hosted by BSM Tours & Pelaga Eco Park for 10 participants,
4. Post Tour to Singaraja hosted by the Buleleng Regency Tourism Office for30 participants.
5. Post Tour to Klungkung hosted by Klungkung Regency Tourism Office for 15 participants,
6. Post Tour to Karangasem hosted by Nusa Dua Bali Tour for 10 participants
7. Post Tour to Tabanan, Jatiluwih hosted by Restu Dewata Tours 10 participants.

In the implementation of this 10th year event, BBTF presents several new things; Buyers application is expanded to include MICE, WO, EO and Corporate, open to market potential – cross-ministry and cross-tourism, and improve and improve the quality of service to buyers and sellers by upgrading the digital-based system to facilitate access using applications on android and iPhone.

This year, BBTF committee presents a talkshow with some top speakers and invites stakeholders on a tourism seminar prior to the tradeshow. Opportunities and challenges of new global trend in tourism, and business competition as well as over-tourism issues will be discussed. New learnings on sustainable tourism practices will be reviewed too, as experiences that can create positive ripple effects, benefiting not only the environment but also the local economies and communities that rely on tourism revenues.

“BBTF 2024 is a promising market place for the promotion of Indonesian tourism products where Bali is placed as the Window of Tourism Indonesia.” Winastra mention in his speech. “Other things related to BBTF 2024 – We will hold a talk show Tourism Seminar with the title: “Indonesia – Embracing Technology, Preserving Heritage” which is planned to invite several Ministries as speakers. – As an effort to respond to the government’s direction to focus not only on achieving the number of tourists, but the ‘quality of spending’ of tourists, sustainable environment, and wellness and gastronomy.” He added.

“We are thrilled to unveil ‘Exploring and Experiencing Sense of Indonesia’s Beauty’ as the theme for the 10th addition of BBTF that aims to reinforce Indonesia’s position as a top travel destination by highlighting its diverse attractions, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering collaborations that drive the tourism industry forward,” said Winastra. “Indonesia’s readiness as a world tourism destination, coupled with its remarkable natural and cultural assets, makes it an ideal choice for travellers seeking authentic and enriching experiences – from Bali we create a big impact.”

Key features of BBTF 2024 include:

• Destination Exhibitions: A diverse range of destinations from across Indonesia will be showcased, allowing participants to discover the unique cultural, natural, and adventure experiences each region as quality tourism has to offer.
• B2B Sessions: The event will facilitate productive business-to-business meetings, fostering collaborations between tourism stakeholders, travel agents, hoteliers, airlines, and other industry players. Expected to reach more than 250 sellers or 9% increase from last year event to meet more than 400 buyers from expected to reach 51 countries.
• Tourism Seminar: Insightful session led by industry experts will delve into current trends, sustainable tourism practices, digital marketing strategies, and more. With the significant increase of long and short haul to Bali, the airport expansion and management as well as the welcome of recent international airlines with new routes are big subjects to discuss during the seminar.
• Cultural Performances and Showcases: Attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through live performances, arts, crafts, and culinary delights.

Registration for BBTF 2024 is NOW OPEN, offering industry professionals and attendees the opportunity to secure their participation in this prestigious event. For more information and registration details, please visit www.bbtf.co.id

For the last few days, during the Travex, BBTF received the positive responds from government officials, stakeholders buyers and sellers as well as exhibitors who expressed their appreciation for BBTF 2023.

The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno encourages BBTF as a platform to promote quality and sustainable tourism, aiming to grow as the largest travel trade event in the region. He announced also the good news that Indonesia is chosen as part of the executive to design the world tourism by UNWTO. Indonesia will focus on 4.4 million employments and sustainable tourism.

This year the Minister highlighted the significant growth with the participation of BBTF and expected to enhance the MICE sector and creative economy-based tourism and can contribute to achieving Indonesia’s tourist arrival targets for 2024.

Next year the ministry are optimistic to get more top buyers worldwide that represent the full spectrum of tourism at all levels including Tour operators, Travel agencies, Event and Tourism companies, Public institutions & organizations, Domestic and foreign MICE, and Corporates to meet diversity of sellers from Travel and Tourism in Indonesia; Travel Bureau, Tourist attractions, Hotels and Restaurants, Health & Wellness industries, Marine Tourism, Tourism Villages and corporate travel representatives as well as regional’s new destinations. “We hope to see more participations, and we

encourage provinces all over Indonesia, regencies and associations to take opportunity to be part of BBTF 2024.” The Minister added.
“For that reasons Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) will return for the 10th year in June 13 – 15, 2024 with the theme of ‘Exploring & Experiencing Sense of Indonesia’s Beauty’, expecting a qualified market place for global buyers to meet national and international sellers in Bali,” I Putu Winastra, the Head Committee of BBTF 2023 and Chairman of ASITA Bali chapter announced the theme for 2024 that outlined Indonesia as a whole.

“Inspired by the 10. Ten is a symbol of success and achievement associated with good luck and prosperity especially in the business sector. So, we choose the color of Gold for next year theme that also represent Wisdom, Royalty, Victory, and Devotion for success. Let’s face the challenges together. Being resilience and optimistic for the future of Tourism Indonesia.” Putu Winastra added.

BBTF committees extend their gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Wonderful Indonesia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Bali, Bali the Island of God, Bali Tourism Board, and DPD ASITA Bali, as well as the event sponsors; Marriott International, BICC, Westin, Qatar Airways, Hatten Wine, Tri Jeevawasa Kusuma, Akasa Kintamani Coffee, BIMC Siloam, UHA, Biznet, AVB, Eco Bike Coffee, and Proteam, Local crew, Politeknik Pariwisata Bali, Darmawan & Associates (D&A).

BBTF Official Hotel partners: the Apurva Kempinski Bali, Sol by Melia Benoa Bali, Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali, Infinity8 Bali, Bali Tropic Resort & Spa, Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort, Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran, The Ritz – Carlton Bali, The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua, Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort, Vouk Hotel & Suites Nusa Dua.

Post tours to all buyers to various destinations supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Buleleng Tourism Office, The Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra Provincial Government, Plaga Eco Park, KBA Tur, D’Umah Bali, BSM Tour. And in addition to all our media partners such as TTG Asia, Bali.com, Travelindex Media, Guo Ji Ri Bao, and all international, national, and local media that support and strengthen the positioning of BBTF as Indonesia’s leading International Travel Fair.

For more information about BBTF 2023, please visit the website https://www.bbtf.co.id/
Thank you and see you at BBTF 2024 – “Exploring & Experiencing the Sense of Indonesia’s Beauty”.

This year some new integrated industry from state-owned enterprises will join BBTF for the first time together with a series of Indonesian exciting exhibitors.

The trust of key market players in our organization is also expressed by the attendance of reputable hotel operators such as Marriott International group, Hyatt group, Archipelago group, Accor, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Cross Hotel, Bali Villa Association (BVA), Ubud Hotel Association (UHA), Swiss-Belhotel International among many other high-ranking companies and associations as sellers.

This year some new integrated industry from state-owned enterprises will join BBTF for the first time together with a series of Indonesian exciting exhibitors such as Regions of Bali, Yogyakarta (DIY), DKI Jakarta, East Kalimantan, Bangka Belitung Islands, Riau Islands, West Java, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), South Sulawesi and West Sumatera.

In response to market demand, BBTF will showcase and promote sustainable tourism products for a responsible future. Further, particular focus is also being given to health, emphasizing the current growth of the wellness and medical tourism industry as well as community-based tourism.

Business contracts to be generated within one year during our B2B event are estimated to reach IDR 8.5 trillion in 2023, showing a 63.5 percent increase compared to the IDR 5.2 trillion produced in 2022. A very promising progress that hopefully will keep on growing in months ahead.

This year, BBTF committee presents some top speakers and invites stakeholders on a tourism seminar prior to the tradeshow. Opportunities and challenges of quality and sustainable tourism, and health tourism business development will be discussed. New learnings on sustainable tourism practices will be reviewed too, as experiences that can create positive ripple effects, benefiting not only the environment but also the local economies and communities that rely on tourism revenues.

“BBTF is taking proactive steps to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for the tourism industry – this year we invite Indonesian goverment officials to open the event. The chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR-RI) together with the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.” commented I Putu Winastra – referring to the brief agenda of this forthcoming annual Indonesia’s leading international travel fair.

For more information about BBTF 2023, please visit the website https://www.bbtf.co.id/

West Sumatra is a truly spectacular experience that provides valuable insights into the diversity and richness of Indonesian culture.

Furthermore, the Mentawai people have a profound knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional healing methods. They rely on natural remedies to treat various ailments and maintain their overall well-being. This knowledge has been passed down through generations and continues to play a vital role in their daily lives. because of their perceived ability to heal sickness and communicate with ancestors and the spirits of nature.

Next on West Sumatra, visiting tourism villages is the right course of action to support grassroots traditions and locally based creative economy. Nagari Sijunjung or Kubu Gadang are great examples of communities known for their thriving ancestral rituals: Berkaul Adat processions where villagers show gratitude for abundant harvests, Silek Lanyah, a variation of Pencak Silat martial art performed in muddy fields and Randai folk theater performances featuring music, singing, dance and drama, are only a few notable celebrations in a wealth of fascinating Minang customary practices.

Nature lovers will travel through magnificent landscapes over volcanic slopes and beautiful coffee or cinnamon plantations and explore the fertile Harau Valley, known as the Yosemite of Indonesia, with towering granite cliffs, lush greenery, and rows of cascading waterfalls. The conservation area is a paradise for photographers, hikers, and rock climbers. Lake Maninjau nestled in a huge caldera is another breathtaking natural attraction of West Sumatra, but its ecosystem needs to be protected against overfishing and water pollution, so this fragile environment can be sustainably managed.

Discovering the land of Minangkabau in Bukittingi, a charming city surrounded by the breathtaking Ngarai Sianok, a canyon in a green valley with Mount Singgalang looming at its background, and one of the finest sceneries all around the province. Songket hand woven fabrics, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage can be acquired from Pandai Silek, a nearby village with a long history of craftsmanship. Tasting traditional foods of West Sumatra is a delightful way to get acquainted with the local lifestyle. Enjoying delicious dishes such as Sate or Nasi Padang, Gulai Ayam or Rendang, cooked in curry sauce with coconut milk and spice mixtures, even though available all over Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, is a must do while exploring the Padang city vibrant culinary scene.

‘West Sumatra is a fascinating destination with spectacular geoparks and a thriving ancient local culture to explore’ I Putu Winastra, the head committee of BBTF 2023 and the chairman of Travel Association (ASITA) Bali chapter commented.
Come and join us at BBTF 2023. Learn more at www.bbtf.co.id & for further information contact us at info@bbtf.co.id

For decades East Kalimantan is set as a wild nature and sustainable tourism that famous with the world renowned Samboja Lestari Orangutan rescue and rehabilitation center.

For the adventurers, the exploration could continue to go deep into the Kutai National Park and adventure cruises on the Mahakam, a river that flows almost 1,000 km from the highlands of Gunung Cemaru to the Makassar strait. Home to critically endangered Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins and breeding place for hundreds of bird species. Cruising up the Mahakam in a houseboat is the only practical way to explore the rain forest region which passes through some of the world’s richest remaining wildlife and most remote tribal villages on earth.

Meeting Dayak Kenyah tribes is the highlight of any journey to East Kalimantan. In Lekaq Kidau and a few other cultural villages in Kutai Kertanegara, the indigenous population of ancient headhunters perform ritual music and dances while educating visitors to their unique customs and ancestral knowledge of the surrounding jungle. Traditional community longhouses can be seen there too, as large wooden structures built on pillars, sometimes up to hundreds of meters long, that host dozens of families, with common areas for cooking, blacksmithing and ritual ceremonies.

All around the province, some outstanding jungle destinations are open to passionate travelers and conservationists at heart. The Wehea highland forest located in the East Kutai regency is a great example of a successful restoration project. Rewarded by a Kalpataru trophy, Indonesia’s highest environmental honor, Wehea was originally reclaimed from illegal loggers and poachers and has now become a flagship 40,000 hectares reserve managed by a local Dayak tribe. The Kersik Luway Natural Reserve is remarkable too, as a heaven for trekking and orchid lovers, with hundreds of species growing there, including the mysterious Black Orchid (Coelogyne Pandurata).

Besides jungle adventures, East Kalimantan also offers a secret underwater treasure – a world class diving in a Derawan archipelago known for its wealth of coral reefs and marine life. Take a boat trip to Maratua island and meet squadrons of Manta rays, go to Sangalaki and witness giant sea turtles nesting, or head to Kabakan for its unique jellyfish lake.

“East Kalimantan is a paradise for ecotourism, but its rain forests and wildlife need to be sustainably protected as a precious heritage. Tribal communities deserve our respect too, for their culture and traditions highlight the diversity of our Indonesian nation. We invite BBTF delegates to find out more about this amazing destination” said I Putu Winastra, head committee of BBTF 2023 and chairman of the ASITA travel association Bali chapter.

Come and join us at BBTF 2023. Learn more and log on to www.bbtf.co.id