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Bali remains the epicentre and very popular holiday hub of Indonesia but the nations tourism hierarchy has launched a programme to highlight the diversify of the islands and have four destinations to promote on its hit list.

The government is targeting Danau Toba (North Sumatra – majestic lake in the crater for adventure tourism), Borobudur (Central Java – UNESCO cultural heritage)  , Mandalika (Lombok Island) and Labuan Bajo (Komodo island in Flores East Indonesia) to accommodate the new trend of nomadic tourism, eco-tourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism as well as developing a total of 10 of Indonesia’s tourist destinations that are expected to compliment Bali in attracting foreign tourists.

Tourism growth in Indonesia was recorded as one of the best in the world and among the top 20 fastest growing travel destination which means that the nation’s growth rate is on par with the global standard. All efforts are orchestrated by the Ministry of Tourism and supported by Indonesia’s President who is committed to developing the tourism industry.

By 2019, the Ministry of Tourism 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. This year, there are three main focuses for the ministry namely; covering digital tourism, developing a tourist village homestay program and creating greater air travel accessibility. By focusing on these aspects, we will have the required leverage to boost our TTCI level. The change of trend itself is the move from holiday destination to a balance of work and leisure – we respond positively the growth of leisure economy and nomadic tourism.

The Wisnu Statue at Bali Community entre

In line with Indonesia vision, BALI & BEYOND TRAVEL FAIR (BBTF) 2018 announced this year theme of “Exploring the Colors of Indonesia”. BBTF hosted speakers that address the opportunities, trends by the industry insights as well as highlighting the diversity of Indonesia’s cultures. The mesmerizing dances, cultures, traditions and the tempting natural attractions from tall volcanoes, endless roll waves, long white sandy beaches stretched, hundreds of winding rivers slicing green rice fields, virgin forests closing peaks to underwater beauty and hypnotic wild life from the west end to the east end, and more.

Renowned as Indonesia’s leading International Travel and Tourism Fair which has been consistently supported by the Ministry of Tourism from its first year, BBTF brings sellers and buyers together in a single forum annually. This is the fifth year of BBTF – the event was initiated and organized by The Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali chapter and until now is consider to be the most important Tourism fair in Indonesia.

Bali conference booths

BBTF represents the full spectrum of tourism at all levels including the hospitality sector, tour operators or travel agencies, National Tourism Organizations, Convention and Visitors Bureaus, travel technology firms, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) and corporate travel representatives as well as regional’s new destinations.

The Conference was launched earlier this week before more than 1,000 attendees in a spray of fireworks at the massive Bali Cultural Centre Amphitheatre which was recently the scene for the tenth anniversary of the Bali bombings.

Written by John Savage in Bali