RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar – Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, believes that Bali has strong potential to become one of the world’s leading destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE). Speaking at the inauguration of the Bali Convention and Exhibition Bureau (BaliCEB) management for the 2026–2031 term in Sanur, Bali, on Friday evening, Ni Luh said the establishment of BaliCEB is expected to serve as a momentum to strengthen the competitiveness of Bali’s high-quality and sustainable MICE industry.

“The presence of BaliCEB should serve as a new instrument, a new spirit, and a new source of strength for all of us in realizing Bali as a world-class MICE destination, while preserving Bali’s unique strengths and promoting quality and sustainable tourism,” Ni Luh said in an official statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Ni Luh, explained that Bali holds significant potential in the global MICE industry. According to data from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Bali ranks 38th in the world as a destination for international association meetings.

She noted that the MICE industry carries strategic value as it generates broad economic benefits, ranging from higher hotel occupancy rates and increased transportation usage to greater consumption of products from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as well as growth in the creative economy and supporting service sectors. In 2024, Bali hosted 54 international meetings that met ICCA criteria, an increase from 34 international meetings in the previous year.

Ni Luh stated that Bali’s competitive advantages include its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the hospitality of its people, all of which make the island an attractive destination for MICE events.

“These are the strengths that we must continue to optimize so that Bali becomes even more competitive on the global stage,” she said.

However, she affirmed that several challenges still need to be addressed collectively, including improving infrastructure quality, environmental management, waste handling, and strengthening various supporting aspects. She added that the President’s strong commitment to Bali’s development and advancement presents a strategic opportunity that should be fully utilized by all stakeholders.

“I believe this is an opportunity that we must seize together. Let us work hand in hand to address the various challenges facing Bali so that we can truly realize Bali as a world-class MICE destination,” she said.

In addition, Ni Luh expressed hope that BaliCEB would become a key driver in promoting responsible and sustainable event management practices.