30 October 2026
JEJU, SOUTH KOREA | 30 OCTOBER 2026 - Melali Bali DMC participated in the ITOP Forum and ITOP Travel Exchange 2026, held on Thursday, 29 October, at Jeju Stone Park, South Korea. The international gathering brought together approximately 50 companies from the travel and tourism sector, including tour operators, travel agencies and travel platforms representing South Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali (Indonesia) and the Philippines.
Melali Bali DMC Promotes Indonesia to International Travel Markets
Representing Indonesia, Melali Bali DMC used the occasion to showcase the country's diverse tourism destinations and travel experiences to international industry partners. Through direct business networking and destination presentations, the company introduced travel opportunities across Indonesia, extending beyond Bali to destinations such as Lombok, Labuan Bajo and Komodo, Sumba, Java and Yogyakarta.
Its promotional portfolio covers tailor-made holidays, luxury travel, cultural journeys, family vacations, honeymoon programmes, adventure experiences, wellness retreats and special-interest travel.
For international tour operators and travel platforms seeking to expand their Indonesia product portfolios, Melali Bali DMC offers local destination expertise, programme development and destination management services to support the design and delivery of customised travel experiences throughout Indonesia.
Jeju Stone Park: An Inspiring Venue for Business Events
One of the distinctive features of this year's ITOP gathering was its venue: Jeju Stone Park, a cultural and ecological attraction that combines a museum environment, heritage interpretation and natural landscapes. Unlike conventional meeting and conference facilities, Jeju Stone Park offered participants an opportunity to conduct business discussions while experiencing the cultural and natural character of the destination.
The park showcases Jeju's volcanic heritage through its Stone Museum, the Five Hundred Generals stone sculptures associated with local mythology, the iconic Dol Hareubang statues, reconstructed traditional Jeju village houses and the Seolmundae Halmang Exhibition Hall, dedicated to the legendary giant grandmother believed to have created Jeju Island.
Its distinctive landscape of sculpted volcanic lava stones, lush vegetation and green rolling hills created an unusual yet engaging setting for international business networking.
Commenting on the venue concept, Dr. Ketut Jaman, Managing Director of Melali Bali DMC, said:
"Holding the travel exchange at Jeju Stone Park created a truly unique atmosphere. It brought together the business environment of the travel industry with a cultural museum, rich heritage, lush vegetation, fascinating volcanic lava stones artistically arranged into sculptures, and green rolling hills that remain beautiful throughout the year.
It was an excellent combination of business meetings and leisure experiences - what I would describe as 'Business Meeting Meets Picnic'. Participants could conduct business, establish professional relationships and enjoy the cultural and natural beauty of Jeju at the same time.
This is an interesting concept for tourism organisations, destination promoters and event planners to consider when developing more engaging and memorable business events."
Implications for Travel Trade and Event Professionals
The ITOP Travel Exchange highlighted the value of combining business networking with authentic destination experiences. For destination management companies, tourism boards, event organisers and travel industry associations, this approach offers opportunities to create more distinctive formats for professional gatherings.
Rather than limiting business events to traditional hotel meeting rooms or convention centres, cultural attractions, heritage sites, museums and landscaped outdoor venues can provide alternative settings that encourage interaction, destination appreciation and relationship building.
For event planners and incentive travel specialists, such venues can also become part of a wider programme incorporating meetings, cultural activities, networking and leisure experiences.
Building International Partnerships for Indonesian Tourism
Melali Bali DMC's participation in ITOP Travel Exchange reflects its continued commitment to strengthening international trade relationships and developing new market opportunities for Indonesia. By connecting with overseas tour operators, travel agencies and travel platforms, the company aims to facilitate greater international access to Indonesian destinations and develop collaborative tourism products that respond to the evolving interests of global travellers.
With its destination management expertise and international business network, Melali Bali DMC welcomes cooperation with international travel companies, tour operators, travel platforms, incentive houses and event organisers interested in developing tourism programmes and business events in Indonesia.
(Melali Media Team)