BALI - The Bali chapter of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) will hold its 15th Regional Conference, or MUSDA XV ASITA Bali 2026, on October 16, 2026, at InterContinental Bali Resort, Jimbaran.

Carrying the theme “Repositioning the Future of Tourism,” the conference will discuss several strategic issues facing Bali tourism, including destination distribution, enforcement of tourism business regulations, and strengthening the role of local entrepreneurs.

MUSDA XV is expected to bring together around 250 travel agencies from ASITA Bali’s 371 members. As of October 8, 2026, 223 active members had registered, including both full and associate members.

The event will also be attended by the ASITA national chairman, Bali Governor, Bali Tourism Office, regents and mayors across Bali, Bali Tourism Board, tourism stakeholders, and industry partners.

I Putu Winastra Runs Again for ASITA Bali Chair

The Steering Committee Chairman of MUSDA XV ASITA Bali, I Ketut Ardana, said the selection process for the organization’s next chairman had been conducted in accordance with ASITA’s organizational rules.

The nomination process was announced to all ASITA Bali members on September 24, 2026. Eligible members were given until October 2 at 6 p.m. Bali time to declare their willingness and submit their candidacy.

According to Ardana, only one candidate had registered by the deadline: I Putu Winastra, S.AB., M.A.P., who previously served as ASITA Bali chairman.

ASITA Calls for More Balanced Tourism Development

Winastra said the theme “Repositioning the Future of Tourism” focuses on two main areas: institutional repositioning and destination repositioning.

At the institutional level, ASITA aims to strengthen its position as an organization representing legal and professional travel businesses. The association also wants to contribute solutions to Bali’s tourism policies rather than focusing solely on the interests of its members.

On destination development, ASITA Bali is calling for tourism growth beyond Bali’s traditionally dominant southern areas.

Winastra highlighted the tourism potential of North, East and West Bali, which he said should be developed through proper planning.

A wider distribution of tourism activity could give visitors more destination choices while creating economic opportunities for local communities, including MSMEs, transportation providers, accommodation businesses, restaurants, tour guides and creative industries.

ASITA Urges Consistent Enforcement of Tourism Regulations

ASITA Bali is also calling for stronger enforcement against tourism businesses operating without proper legal permits or outside applicable regulations.

Winastra said the issue should not be viewed simply as competition between online and offline businesses. The key issue, he argued, is consistent enforcement of regulations for all tourism businesses.

Businesses that comply with licensing, taxation, local employment and other requirements, he said, need regulatory certainty. Businesses that have yet to meet the requirements should either be guided toward compliance or sanctioned according to the law.

ASITA believes inconsistent enforcement could create unfair competition between compliant businesses and those that continue operating without meeting regulatory requirements.

Strengthening Local Entrepreneurs

Another priority raised by ASITA Bali is strengthening the position of local entrepreneurs amid continued tourism investment.

Winastra stressed that ASITA is not against investment. Bali still needs investment to support tourism development, but investment should comply with regulations and generate tangible benefits for the local economy.

He encouraged stronger partnerships between investors and local businesses, including legal and professional travel agencies.

“Balinese people must be part of tourism growth, not merely spectators,” Winastra said.

ASITA’s presence within KADIN Bali for the 2025–2030 period is also considered important in ensuring that the interests of travel businesses are represented in discussions on Bali’s economic and tourism policies.

Bali Tourism Should Not Focus Only on Visitor Numbers

Winastra emphasized that the future of Bali tourism should not be measured solely by the number of tourists arriving on the island.

More important, he said, is whether tourism can generate quality, sustainable and more evenly distributed economic benefits for Balinese communities.

Through MUSDA XV, ASITA Bali wants tourism stakeholders to take a broader view of Bali’s tourism future—not only how the island receives tourists, but also how it manages tourism growth.

Bali, Winastra said, should maintain its position as a global tourism destination while developing a tourism system that is more organized, sustainable and inclusive of local