The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/the Agency for Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf) held the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) which was held in Bali on June 14-17 2022. The event, which has been held since 2014, is a business-to-business exhibition (B2B) to bring together national and international sellers and buyers. 

“BBTF 2022 was attended by 183 sellers from hotels, resorts, tour operators, tourist attractions, government agencies, restaurants, tourist destinations, and tourism organizations. In terms of buyers, there will be 270 buyers from a total of 30 countries. Besides Indonesia, there were also buyers from the United States, Nigeria, Australia, the Netherlands, Malaysia, France, India, and the UK," said Masruroh as Director of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. 

Even though Bali is the favorite, Masruroh explained that BBTF offers more than that. Other locations such as DKI Jakarta, East Java, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, North Sumatra, and North Sulawesi are also exhibited at BBTF 2022. In this exhibition, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy also provides support in the form of providing the Bali Pavilion, Tourism Village Pavilion , and Pavilion 5 Super Priority Destinations (DSP). The goal, said Masruroh, is for buyers to also get to know the areas of Borobudur, Labuan Bajo, Likupang, Lake Toba, and Mandalika. 

“BBTF 2022 is a hybrid. So, in addition to the offline exhibition, there will also be an online business meeting session. This shows two things. First, Bali is approaching its normal pre-pandemic situation and is ready to receive more tourists. Second, BBTF wants to show its readiness to adapt to the latest technology, where we are getting closer to virtual meetings that are no less productive than face-to-face meetings,” continued Masruroh.

Illustration of sellers meet buyers in Bali and Beyond Travel Fair 2022. (Photo: Doc. Kemenparekraf). 

Unlike the previous year when there was no pandemic, BBTF 2022 provides virtual exhibitions, in addition to offline or face-to-face exhibitions. With the current conditions, the number of international buyers is certainly not as large as it used to be. Masruroh added that sellers already know and understand because Indonesian tourism is still in the recovery stage.

"However, we believe that in the near future, Indonesian tourism, especially Bali, will recover and return to normal. So, BBTF will be attended by as many international buyers as before," added Masruroh. 

By initiating the offline and online concept, BBTF was held at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), one of the largest venues in Bali. Like last year, BBTF is implemented on a hybrid basis. Based on this experience, BICC is very ready to become a BBTF venue to entertain sellers, buyers, and invited guests who come.

"We are targeting transactions worth Rp 5.2 trillion, up 2% from last year's achievement, which was Rp 4.08 trillion. Of course, I also hope that this year's BBTF can present high-quality business meetings. We need to show Indonesia's readiness to accept foreign and domestic tourists to buyers. That way, travel confidence will return, so tourism will automatically recover. The national economy will recover by itself. I am optimistic," said Masruroh.

In addition to the 183 participating sellers, there are 15 tour operators who also attend as sellers who will sell various interesting tour packages at BBTF. In addition, BBTF 2022 will also hold a talk show that will discuss health and wellness tourism with reliable sources in their respective fields.

Cover: Opening speak from Deputy of Tourism Products and Event Organizer, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mrs. Rizki Handayani in Bali and Beyond Travel Fair 2022. (Photo: Doc. Kemenparekraf).