BBTF Targets 47 Countries to Purchase Indonesian Gastronomy Packages

RRI.CO.ID, Badung - Amidst a shifting global geopolitical landscape, the 12th Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) is pivoting toward the universal appeal of food to fortify Indonesia’s tourism sector.

Under the evocative theme "Redefining Indonesia’s Gastronomic Journey: A Celebration of Taste, Cultures, and Sustainable Heritage," the 2026 edition of the fair seeks to position culinary tourism as a strategic tool for national resilience and international competitiveness.

The chairperson of the BBTF 2026 organizing committee, I Putu Winastra, announced in Badung on Monday. March 30, 2026, that the event aims to connect 250 domestic tourism operators with a global network of buyers. These sellers, primarily based in Bali, will showcase specialized gastronomic packages during the exhibition scheduled for May 28–30, 2026, at the Bali International Convention Centre in Nusa Dua.

"Our target for BBTF 2026 is to bring in 400 buyers from 47 countries, with 285 already registered to date. We will use this opportunity to build and maintain Bali as a destination as well as the primary gateway for Indonesian tourism," said Winastra, as quoted by Antara.

The strategic focus on gastronomy is a calculated response to the economic reality that culinary experiences often represent the largest share of tourist spending. To bring this to life, several hotels participating as sellers will feature live cooking demonstrations during the fair.

Winastra, who also leads the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) in Bali, noted that highlighting Indonesia's unique flavors and cultural identity through food is the most powerful way to tell the nation's story to the world.

This year's fair arrives at a time of significant international uncertainty. Winastra acknowledged that ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, have begun to ripple through the travel industry.

"Geopolitical tensions, including those in the Middle East, are starting to affect travel confidence, flight paths, and operational costs. In this situation, the tourism industry is the sector that feels the impact most quickly. It is where the resilience of a destination is tested, and Bali understands this strategic role," he explained.

To mitigate these challenges, organizers are aggressively diversifying their target markets. While Middle Eastern operators remain active, there is a renewed push to attract buyers from the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand.

This effort is bolstered by Indonesia's diplomatic missions. To date, various embassies and consulates have registered 27 buyers, with significant delegations coming from Nairobi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Yangon.

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has pledged full support for the event, particularly in promotional efforts. Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry, affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the fair's success and attracting high-quality buyers through familiarization trips.

For Winastra and the BBTF team, the ultimate goal remains clear. "Our hope for BBTF 2026 is simple yet vital: to ensure that Indonesia remains trusted, remains relevant, and remains competitive in the eyes of the world." ***