The Island of the Gods once again draws the world’s attention to international tourism.

Bali has been entrusted to host the 26th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum, held from June 20–23, 2025 at The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Convention, Denpasar. This prestigious forum brings together ten leaders from island regions across various countries, united in their commitment to promoting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient tourism in the face of global challenges.

The ITOP Forum 2025 commenced with a welcome dinner on June 20, where delegates were warmly greeted by the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, in a friendly and collaborative atmosphere.

The second day featured a series of engaging activities. Delegates were invited to take part in a cultural excursion to Ubud, which included a visit to the Museum Puri Lukisan, a traditional Balinese lunch at Ubud Palace, and an immersion in the artistic and cultural heart of Bali.

Later that day, delegation heads and members were invited to witness the grand opening parade of the Bali Arts Festival (PKB)—Bali’s largest annual cultural showcase, featuring artistic performances from all districts and cities across the island. This special moment offered a meaningful experience that reflected Bali’s unwavering spirit in preserving its cultural heritage amidst the waves of globalization.

The official opening of the forum took place on Sunday, June 22, 2025, marked by a speech from the Governor of Bali, delivered by the Regional Secretary of Bali Province, Dewa Made Indra. In his remarks, Dewa Made Indra expressed deep appreciation for the delegates’ presence and emphasized the importance of inter-island collaboration in building a tourism ecosystem that is not only economically viable but also environmentally and culturally sound.

“The ITOP Forum serves as a strategic platform to share knowledge, experiences, and innovative solutions in addressing tourism challenges in island regions,” said Dewa Made Indra in his address.

This year’s forum carried the theme "Wellness Tourism Based on Natural and Cultural Resources," aligning with Bali’s post-pandemic tourism development agenda. As wellness tourism continues to grow as a global trend, Bali responds with an approach centered on environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and the well-being of local communities.

In this context, Bali not only reaffirms its position as a world-class tourist destination but also emerges as a pioneer in developing tourism rooted in local values and environmental sustainability. The choice of Sanur—a region known for its cultural and eco-friendly tourism—as the venue further reinforces this commitment.

The forum was attended by ten ITOP member regions, namely: Bali (Indonesia), Cebu (Philippines), Hainan (China), Hawaii (USA), Jeju (South Korea), Okinawa (Japan), Penang (Malaysia), Phuket (Thailand), Southern Province (Sri Lanka), and Zanzibar (Tanzania).
The presence of delegates from Asia, the Americas, and Africa reflects the forum’s global appeal and relevance as a dialogue platform that bridges local and international interests in tourism development.

The ITOP Forum 2025 agenda included:

• Working Group Meeting and international seminar on sustainable tourism development
• Field visit to Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park
• Cultural excursion to Ubud
• Participation in the Bali Arts Festival (PKB) opening parade
• Sunset Dinner Cruise — an exclusive evening aboard a traditional Phinisi ship showcasing Bali’s maritime richness to international guests

The event culminated in the signing of a Joint Declaration by all island region representatives, as a collective commitment to developing tourism that promotes wellness, public health, and environmental conservation.

As a symbol of leadership succession, the forum also featured the ceremonial handover of the ITOP flag from Bali to Jeju, South Korea, which will host the next forum in 2026.

Through the hosting of the ITOP Forum 2025, Bali further cements its standing as a world-class destination—not only visually captivating but also exemplary in its governance of sustainable tourism. In an era of global uncertainty, this forum serves as a strategic space to formulate robust and adaptive tourism policies for the future.

By making wellness tourism its central pillar, Bali offers more than just a refreshing holiday—it invites the world to reflect on the true essence of travel: a journey that brings meaningful benefits to people, nature, and culture in harmony.