JEJU, SOUTH KOREA — Bali reinforced its international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) presence through its participation in the 2026 ITOP Islands Connect, held on 29 October at Jeju Stone Park, South Korea. The meeting was part of the 27th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum and the 2026 World Island Festival, held from 28–30 October 2026.
Representing Bali, Dr. Ketut Jaman, Chairperson of the Bali Convention and Exhibition Bureau (BaliCEB), joined 16 other representatives from eight island destinations to exchange industry knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities for international MICE cooperation.
The Islands Connect initiative provides a platform for ITOP member regions to share best practices, exchange information and develop practical cooperation in the MICE industry, with the broader objective of strengthening their capacity to attract and host international business events.
“Successful international events require more than world-class venues and facilities. They depend on effective coordination among government authorities, organizers, hotels, transport operators, suppliers and other stakeholders.”
International Participation from Nine Destinations
The meeting brought together 17 representatives from Bali, Hainan, Southern Province, Hawai‘i, Zanzibar, Phuket, Cebu, Penang and Jeju. They represented government departments, convention bureaux, tourism organizations and private-sector businesses.
Participants included Dr. Ketut Jaman (Bali); Fu Xinwen and Wang Yaya (Hainan); H.D.D.S.W. Herath (Southern Province); Andrew Koh (Hawai‘i); Rahma Mohamed Ibrahim Sanya (Zanzibar); Suratsa Thongmee, Nara Romphothong and Woraprach Upatissing (Phuket); John Roland Tabunag, Ainjeliz De La Torre-Orong, Stephanie Villahermosa, Syrah Queblatin and Kristine Araneta (Cebu); Yoon Pauline (Penang); and Cho Jin-hoon and Koo Bo-ram (Jeju).
The diverse representation highlighted the importance of connecting public institutions, tourism authorities, convention bureaux and private-sector operators to advance cooperation in island tourism and business events.
Bali Shares G20 Summit Experience as an International MICE Case Study
A key highlight of the Islands Connect launch programme was a 30-minute presentation by Dr. Ketut Jaman on Bali’s experience hosting the 2022 G20 Summit.
Entitled “Bali’s G20 Summit: Practical Lessons in Hosting a Major International Event,” the presentation examined the operational requirements of delivering a major international event, covering integrated planning, governance, infrastructure, delegate services, transport, protocol, risk management, cultural identity and sustainability.
Dr. Jaman emphasized that successful international events require more than world-class venues and facilities. They depend on effective coordination among government authorities, organizers, hotels, transport operators, suppliers and other stakeholders.
Drawing on Bali’s experience, he presented five practical principles for other island destinations: coordinate early, clarify responsibilities, plan the entire delegate journey, prepare for unexpected changes, and capture lessons through post-event evaluation.
These principles offer a practical framework for destinations seeking to strengthen their MICE capabilities and deliver internationally competitive events.
Bali Proposes ITOP Islands Business Events Exchange
Dr. Jaman also introduced the proposed ITOP Islands Business Events Exchange, designed to connect MICE suppliers from member destinations with international buyers.
Potential sellers include convention bureaux, professional conference organizers (PCOs), destination management companies (DMCs), hotels and event venues. Target buyers include international associations, corporate planners, incentive travel companies and event agencies.
The proposed programme would combine destination showcases with pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings, creating opportunities to establish contacts, identify projects, explore joint bids and generate business.
Dr. Jaman suggested launching the initiative as a pilot alongside an ITOP or Islands Connect meeting, supported by a member working group to coordinate buyer selection, business matching, hosting arrangements and follow-up.
The initiative aims to transform regional cooperation into tangible commercial opportunities for participating island destinations.
Sharing Best Practices and Learning from Jeju
The Islands Connect Annual Meeting also featured MICE best-practice exchanges, including experiences from Hawai‘i and Bali. Presentations, open discussions and networking provided opportunities to share successful initiatives and explore future partnerships.
The broader ITOP Forum, themed “BEYOND ISLANDS: Empowering the Innovative Future Through Tourism,” welcomed approximately 300 participants from 16 countries. Its programme included policy discussions, plenary sessions, the ITOP Island Travel Mart, cultural performances and destination visits. Key themes included sustainable tourism, destination marketing, climate change and international cooperation.
The programme also introduced participants to Jeju’s tourism and MICE facilities, highlighting its approach to combining cultural heritage, natural resources and sustainability. Notable visits included sustainable energy initiatives and Haenyeo’s Kitchen, which celebrates the heritage of Jeju’s traditional female divers through local gastronomy.
Advancing Bali’s International MICE Partnerships
Bali’s participation in Islands Connect strengthened its engagement with international tourism authorities, convention bureaux and MICE industry stakeholders. Through BaliCEB, Bali can further promote its capabilities, share practical expertise and develop partnerships with other island destinations.
The G20 case study and proposed Business Events Exchange also demonstrated Bali’s commitment to moving beyond destination promotion towards knowledge-sharing, business collaboration and joint opportunities in the global MICE industry.
(BaliCEB Media Team)