Leaders in Bali are looking into new ways to diversify and refine tourism in the province as many tourism stakeholders increasingly frustrated with the mass tourism movement.
Experts have come together to discuss ways in which tourism can benefit travelers, businesses, and the wider community in new ways.
A new tourism body has been created to aid the development of new kinds of tourism initiatives in Bali.
The newly inaugurated Indonesia Sport and Special Interest Tourism Association (ISSITA) is set to help change the way in which new tourism programs are established in the region.
The inauguration event was held at Canna Bali, a beach club in Nusa Dua, on Thursday, 22nd August.
Indonesia Sport and Special Interest Tourism Association also referred to as ISSITA, is an official association that has been granted the seal of approval from the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economies.
The General Chairman of ISSITA, Isyak Meirobie, said, “ISSITA is the most active and most specific partner in talking about how to build new tourism, namely sport tourism and special interests.”
He added, “I will offer ISSITA colleagues the opportunity to carry out many collaborative activities, for example, creating an international level triathlon again in Bali together with the ISSITA network in Indonesia and abroad.”
ISSITA members have also elected Rusli Wisanto as the chair of the board, with those backing him noting his innovative, progressive, and creative views.
Maerobie explained to reporters, “Our focus is in that direction, which is in line with Minister Sandiaga Uno’s message so that we are born in Indonesia and Bali as the main icon and barometer must be able to transmit the virus of tourism growth and recovery through sport tourism and Special Interest.”
He continued, “Bali has very long and extensive experience; other regions will have the same confidence to explore the potential in each district/city.”
Rusli Wisanto told the ISSITA group that major international sports tournaments, including an upcoming golf tournament and billiards tournament in September, will help propel Bali to the world stage in new ways.
Special interest tourism is being viewed as a strategy for Bali to move away from the mass tourism model and attract high-quality, high-spending tourists in niche demographics.
This is part of the reason why Sanur has been transformed into a Special Economic Zone for Health, Medical, and Wellness Tourism.
Wisanto explained that Bali is in a prime position to offer world-class sports and travel experiences. His commitment to bringing more aligned tourism offerings to international travelers has been praised by the
Head of the Bali Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, who explained: “ISSITA Bali is not wrong in choosing to bring special interests; this is part of us moving towards a quality and dignified Bali.”
He added that the Bali Provincial Government is already delivering on plans to promote tourism in lesser visited areas of the island and that tourists planning visits should broaden their horizons away from south Bali for their next vacations.
Pemayun said, “We will direct Bali’s tourism to north Bali, west Bali, and east Bali because we are also developing travel patterns, one of which will be used for special interests in developing Bali.”
He confirmed that at present, 30-40% of tourism in Bali is focused on the special interest and sports sectors. While Bali is a destination most associated with health and wellness, sports tourism is booming on the island.
With Padel, MMA, and running all becoming increasingly popular, as well as ever-growing interest in surfing in the province, groups such as the ISSITA feel that investment in sports tourism has the potential to help turn around Bali’s trajectory into overtourism.
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Shorty
Wednesday 28th of August 2024
Yet another committee.
An oldie but goodie.
A camel is a horse designed by a committee.
Exp
Wednesday 28th of August 2024
They decided to have their meeting at Canna Bali beachc lub. A prime example of disastrous "architecture" and location; with concrete box design spread down a sloped cliff. An area that should have been kept pristine, instead ruined by this monstrosity.
Glenn
Tuesday 27th of August 2024
Easy, ban the tour buses coming through Ubud! I’ve seen these buses choke the main street, hold up traffic, while tourists get off, look around for a few minutes, take photos and get back on. This adds no value to the local economy and pisses of real tourists and residents.
Shorty
Wednesday 28th of August 2024
@Glenn,
Look past the buses.
Stop promoting the place, it doesn't and can't handle the traffic. The tourist numbers dilute and diminish Ubud.
Wow, I spent some time looking at the arse of the bus or car in front of me, or watched the other people watching the other people.
Shorty
Monday 26th of August 2024
Yet another gathering to throw rice at the lumbung.
Harrison
Monday 26th of August 2024
Another committee - just what was needed.