17 October 2026
DENPASAR, BALI, 17 October 2026 — The Bali Regional Board of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA Bali) is calling for a shift towards regenerative tourism that restores the natural environment, strengthens cultural heritage and delivers lasting benefits to local communities. The commitment was highlighted at the 15th ASITA Bali Regional Conference (MUSDA XV), held on 16 October 2026 at Jimbaran Convention Centre under the theme "Repositioning the Future of Tourism".
The one-day conference brought together representatives of more than 165 travel companies, Bali Governor Dr Wayan Koster, heads of tourism offices from Denpasar, Badung and Klungkung, representatives of tourism associations across Bali, and the Chair and Secretary of ASITA's national board.
The conference reflects a growing recognition that tourism success must extend beyond visitor numbers. As international travel preferences evolve and expectations for responsible tourism increase, Bali aims to focus on the quality of visitor experiences and the lasting value tourism creates for destinations and their communities.
From Sustainable to Regenerative Tourism
Regenerative tourism goes beyond minimising tourism's negative impacts. It seeks to actively restore and strengthen the natural and cultural assets on which destinations depend. In Bali, this approach aligns with Tri Hita Karana, the local philosophy promoting harmony between people, nature and the divine.
For international travel companies, this shift creates opportunities to develop more distinctive, meaningful and responsible travel products. Rather than focusing exclusively on conventional sightseeing, operators can design experiences that connect visitors with local communities, support cultural preservation and contribute to the wellbeing of the places they visit.
ASITA Bali encourages its members to develop community-based itineraries, promote locally made products and cultural experiences, and create programmes that encourage longer stays. These initiatives can distribute tourism revenue more widely, strengthen local participation and offer travellers a deeper understanding of Bali.
Opportunities for International Travel Partners
ASITA Bali represents hundreds of licensed travel companies and associate members. According to figures cited by the organisation, its network accounts for approximately 63 per cent of Bali's visitor arrivals through offline travel channels.
The association also organises the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF), an international business-to-business tourism event connecting Indonesian tourism suppliers with buyers from overseas markets. Other initiatives, including the Bali Tourism Run, help showcase tourism opportunities across Bali's regencies and encourage visitors to explore beyond established tourism centres.
For international tour operators, these platforms offer opportunities to connect with Indonesian suppliers, discover new destinations and experiences, and develop partnerships that support product diversification. Community-based tourism and longer-stay itineraries can also help operators respond to demand for authentic, culturally enriching and responsible travel.
Melali Bali DMC Founders Active in ASITA Bali
Melali Bali DMC maintains a longstanding connection with ASITA Bali through the active involvement of its co-founders in the association's leadership.
Dr Ketut Jaman, Co-founder of Melali Bali DMC, has been actively involved in ASITA Bali's leadership since 2012. For the 2026-2031 leadership term, Dr Diah Permana, also Co-founder of Melali Bali DMC, has joined the association's management board, with responsibility for coordinating the corporate meetings and incentive travel segment.
Their involvement reflects the connection between the travel trade, destination management and the MICE industry, while supporting opportunities for closer collaboration between Indonesian travel companies and international partners.
Collaboration for a Stronger Tourism Future
ASITA Bali emphasises the importance of collaboration among government, industry, academia, media and destination management organisations. This pentahelix approach is intended to strengthen destination competitiveness, improve service standards and support responsible tourism development.
Through MUSDA XV, ASITA Bali has reaffirmed its commitment to a tourism model that creates value for visitors, businesses, local communities and the environment.
For international travel companies, Bali's direction presents an opportunity to build stronger local partnerships, develop distinctive travel experiences and contribute to a destination where tourism growth is measured not only by arrivals, but also by its long-term benefits.
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