Industry Leaders Commit To Creating Climate-Friendly Tourism In Bali 

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Leaders in Indonesia have been vocal this year about their vision for establishing sustainable and culturally respectful tourism across the archipelago, especially in Bali.

Now, top tourism stakeholders and industry leaders have come together for Eco Tourism Week 2023. 

As part of a collective effort to support more sustainable and climate-friendly tourism, leaders came together at The Apurva Kempinski in Nusa Dua over the weekend.

The hotel is widely regarded as the best hotel in Bali, hosting everyone from world leaders to business tycoons to celebrities and beyond.

The theme of the event was ‘Climate Awareness for a Sustainable and Climate Friendly Bali Tourism’, and tourism stakeholders from every level were invited to take part.

From the government and the tourism industry to the general public, the Eco-Tourism Week events aimed to unite in efforts to maintain Bali as a sustainable destination.

@mariasiburian On the hunt for honeymoon hotels 💘 #balihotels #balihotelsandresorts #apurvakempinskibali ♬ Water – Tyla

Speaking to the press the Co-Founder of Eco Tourism Bali, Rahmi Fajar Harini, explained that 2023 marked the second Eco Tourism Week has been hosed on the island.

The organization’s main focus is climate awareness for sustainable and climate-friendly tourism.

Harini told reporters, “The tourism industry has an important role in mitigating risks from climate change. The focus of this activity is to bring together all stakeholders. The theme we raised connects sustainability with climate change.” 

“The tourism industry has a big role to play in overcoming the risks of climate change.”

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A post shared by Greening Bali Travel (@kembali.becik)

Harini noted that the event would be an opportunity for tourism leaders to discuss real and pressing issues, such as the recent Swung TPA landfill fire.

Harini said, “Addressing issues such as the Suwung landfill fire is part of our efforts to raise awareness. “If we don’t act, the risks will increase, and this could threaten Bali’s tourism appeal.”

As a mass tourism destination, Bali is always trying to find the balance between growth and sustainability.

There are hundreds of organizations that are paving the way for a more sustainable future for local people and tourists through sustainable and regenerative tourism initiatives. 

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A post shared by Eco Tourism Bali (@ecotourismbali)

Many of these organizations are calling on modern technology and new solutions to the emerging problems posed by climate change, and many more are calling on the traditional cultural and land management practices of Bali and the wider archipelago to change the tide of climate change in the province. 

Tourists looking to support more climate-friendly tourism providers in Bali don’t have to research too hard to find answers.

The Green Pages, created by Kembali Becik, is a comprehensive directory of businesses in Bali that have committed to greening up their operations.

This includes top hotels and guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, popular attractions, and tour operations. 

Some industry leaders feel that it is already too late to establish more sustainable tourism in Bali and that now is the time to go one step further and embrace regenerative tourism.

By definition, regenerative tourism creates more benefits for the people and places where it is established than typical tourism.

It creates something new and of value, whereas sustainable tourism technically seeks to keep everything balanced as it is right now. 

One of the leading regenerative tourism businesses in Bali is Astungkara Way.

The company aims to create a viable alternative to mass tourism on the island by helping tourists connect to the land in a gentle and impactful way. 

Tourists can join Astungkara Way on hiking trails through parts of the island untouched by tourism to see firsthand the magic of the island in a whole new way.

The trails are often referred to as pilgrimages as the team feels the experience helps tourists learn more about themselves and the world around them on a life-changing journey. 

Tourists don’t need to stray too far from the beat track to see the benefit of climate-friendly tourism in practice in Bali. Last month in the popular resort of Sanur the Hyatt Regency Bali and Andaz Bali, unveiled their new Hyatt Bebot.

The robot is able to remove plastic waste from the beachfront, which helps ensure tourists are comfortable on a trash-free beach, but it also removes harmful pollutants from the sand, helping protect the marine ecosystem.