BBTF-2026: A Platform of Trust, Accountability and Partnership
MANGUPURA, BTNp: HELD under the theme “Redefining Indonesia’s Gastronomy Journey: A Celebration of Taste, Culture, and Sustainable Heritage,” the 12th Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2026 officially opened today and welcomes more than 407 international and national buyers from 44 countries, who will meet with 286 sellers from across Indonesia. The strong participation reflects continued confidence in Bali and Indonesia as trusted tourism destinations and business partners in the global travel trade.
“BBTF 2026 is not merely a meeting point between buyers and sellers. It is a platform of trust, accountability, and partnership. BBTF has grown beyond a tourism fair into a trusted business platform that connects Indonesia’s tourism ecosystem with the global market,” said I Putu Winastra, S.AB, M.A.P., Chairman of BBTF 2026 and Chairman of ASITA Bali.
BBTF 2026 places gastronomy at the heart of Indonesia’s destination narrative — not merely as cuisine, but as a gateway to culture, heritage, community, and meaningful travel experiences. “The buyers attending BBTF are reputable tourism business players, decision makers, global distribution networks, and strategic industry partners. One buyer has the potential to bring thousands of travelers to Indonesia every year. Through BBTF, we want to ensure that Bali and Indonesia continue to be seen not only as beautiful destinations, but as reliable, competitive, and meaningful tourism partners for the international market.”
Winastra emphasized that the impact of BBTF extends beyond hotels and major tourism operators. The platform creates business opportunities for local destination management companies, cultural and wellness experience providers, gastronomy-based businesses, transportation operators, attractions, tourism services, and small and medium enterprises across the wider tourism value chain.
“Tourism must create broader economic benefit. BBTF opens direct access for Indonesian sellers to serious buyers, while giving the global market a richer understanding of Indonesia’s diverse tourism products – from Bali to destinations beyond Bali,” he added.
The Sound of Lesung and Kulkul
Together with Marriott International Group and The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, opening presented a gastronomic experience that reflected the cultural spirit of this year’s theme. Inspired by Megibung, a Balinese tradition from Karangasem, East Bali, where people gather and share food in a communal setting. In an international hospitality context, the concept is similar to family-style dining, yet in Bali it carries a deeper meaning of togetherness, equality, respect, and shared experience. And marked by the symbolic beating of the Lesung with alu, accompanied by the sound of Kulkul, —a traditional Balinese instrument that represents a call to gather, unite, and move together—. The ceremony served as a reminder that tourism growth requires collaboration among government, industry, communities, and international partners
The opening by Minister of Tourism, attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, national and regional leaders, tourism stakeholders, international buyers, media, sponsors, and strategic partners. The presence of the Indonesia’s ministries further underscores the government’s commitment to supporting tourism as a vital economic driver for Indonesia, reinforces BBTF’s role in destination promotion, market confidence, and economic diplomacy.
BBTF 2026 also highlights stronger inter-regional collaboration. The participation of the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta as the co-host, a strategic partner reflects the importance of presenting Indonesia as a multi-destination country, where Bali serves as a powerful gateway while other destinations continue to gain visibility in the global market. Jakarta’s pavilion at BBTF 2026 brings tourism industry players from the capital to engage directly with international buyers and partners.
The 2026 edition is being held amid a changing global tourism landscape. Geopolitical uncertainty, shifting travel patterns, inflationary pressure, and a stronger demand for quality and trust have made tourism markets more selective. In this context, BBTF reinforces Indonesia’s commitment to quality tourism, market confidence, and long-term partnerships.
Beyond business appointments, BBTF continues to serve as a platform for destination storytelling, policy alignment, and industry collaboration. It supports Indonesia’s national tourism direction by bringing international buyers directly to the destination, allowing them to experience the quality, culture, hospitality, and diversity of Indonesia firsthand.
This year, buyers will also experience five distinctive post-tour programs: Lombok and Sumbawa, highlighting West Nusa Tenggara’s nature, culture, and emerging tourism potential; Community-Based Tourism in Bali, offering authentic village life and local hospitality; Kepulauan Seribu, hosted by DKI Jakarta, presenting coastal and island tourism; Explore Badung, showcasing culture, nature, coastal experiences, and gastronomy; and Sababay Winery, introducing Bali’s locally produced wine, women-led winery, wine tasting, gastronomy, and Indonesian craftsmanship.
BBTF 2026 run-on 28–30 May 2026 at Bali International Convention Centre, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, featuring per-scheduled appointments, buyer-seller meetings, destination presentations, networking sessions, and strategic industry engagements.
As Indonesia moves toward higher-value and more experience-driven tourism, BBTF 2026 sends a clear message: the future of tourism is not built on numbers alone, but on trust, quality, cultural strength, and shared economic benefit. With Bali as the gateway, the 12th Bali & Beyond Travel Fair 2026 continues to connect the world with the broader richness of Indonesia. *BBTF-26/BTNewspaper
