DENPASAR — The Bali Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector through the promotion of Balinese culture, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of local industry stakeholders. The commitment was conveyed by Bali Governor Wayan Koster during an official audience with the board members of Bali Convention and Exhibition Bureau (BaliCEB) at Jayasabha, Denpasar, on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
The Governor was accompanied by the Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Wayan Sumarajaya. Representatives from BaliCEB attending the meeting included Ng Choi Choi, Putri Windrawati, Agung Rai Suryawijaya, Nyoman Sunarta, Gede Ginaya, Ketut Jaman, Wayan Sugiantara, and Made Parwata. The audience was held in preparation for the Inauguration Ceremony of the BaliCEB Board for the 2026–2031 term, scheduled to take place on 5 June 2026 at Bali Beach Convention Center / The Meru Sanur.
During the meeting, Governor Koster emphasised that Bali should not merely serve as a destination for international events, but should also function as a centre of economic growth whose benefits are directly experienced by the Balinese community.
“Bali must develop its own economic strength. The MICE industry should create tangible benefits for local communities and local enterprises, while at the same time preserving Balinese culture and the island’s natural environment.”
Bali’s MICE Industry Must Reflect a Distinctive Balinese Identity
The Governor further stressed that all MICE events held in Bali should embody a strong Balinese cultural identity, from venue styling and guest welcoming experiences to cultural performances and the use of traditional Balinese attire at official functions.
According to the Governor, international delegates should be able to experience Bali authentically through Balinese dance performances, gamelan music, traditional cuisine, and the use of locally woven textiles such as songket and endek fabrics.
The Bali Provincial Government also supports the development of event management standards and SOPs rooted in Balinese cultural values and local wisdom. These guidelines may later be formalised through a Governor’s Circular Letter.
Stronger Opportunities for Local Hotels, PCOs and Event Organisers
The meeting also delivered positive signals for Bali’s hospitality sector, professional conference organisers (PCOs), event organisers (EOs), and tourism associations. Governor Koster reiterated his support for increasing the involvement of locally based companies in the delivery of MICE events in Bali.
The Provincial Government is currently exploring policies that would encourage national and international events in Bali to appoint Bali-based PCOs and EOs as lead organisers or official local partners.
In addition, businesses operating in Bali are encouraged to establish official business domiciles in Bali, contribute taxes locally, and utilise regional banking services such as Bank BPD Bali. Governor Koster also encouraged BaliCEB to play an active role in strengthening the professionalism, competitiveness, and international standards of Bali-based PCOs and EOs.
Green MICE Positioned as Bali’s Future Direction
Sustainability and green MICE development were among the key topics discussed during the audience. The Governor noted that Bali’s policies related to renewable energy, the reduction of single-use plastics, and organic agriculture have increasingly attracted international attention.
Consequently, future event standards in Bali are expected to prioritise sustainability principles, including the use of local products, waste reduction initiatives, energy efficiency, and green event management practices.
“Bali should become a global benchmark for sustainable MICE destinations.” — Wayan Koster
The Governor also revealed that, beginning in 2028, tourism transportation services in Bali are expected to transition towards electric vehicles, supported by the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the island.
Balinese Gastronomy to Play a Greater Role in International Events
In the culinary sector, the Bali Provincial Government is encouraging hotels and event organisers to elevate Balinese gastronomy as an integral part of the delegate experience. Traditional Balinese dishes such as ayam betutu, klepon, plecing, and locally sourced tropical fruits are expected to feature more prominently at international conferences and events. The use of locally produced organic ingredients is also being encouraged in support of Bali’s broader green tourism and green MICE ambitions.
The Provincial Government is additionally planning to support culinary competitions featuring non-rice-based Balinese cuisine as part of efforts to promote local food diversification and strengthen Bali’s culinary identity.
Bali’s Vision for Tourism and Global Education
Beyond the MICE sector, Governor Koster also highlighted the importance of protecting Bali’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination. He requested updated data regarding tourism businesses and tourism workforce figures in Bali to support future strategic policymaking.
In the education sector, Bali’s universities and higher education institutions are seen as having significant potential to welcome international students for three-to-six-month study programmes focused on tourism, culture, and hospitality.
“The goal is for the world to come to Bali to study tourism,” the Governor stated.
Concluding the meeting, Governor Koster called upon all tourism and MICE stakeholders in Bali to remain united, collaborative, and committed to collective promotion efforts in order to strengthen Bali’s position as a globally recognised MICE destination founded on culture, sustainability, and local wisdom.