BADUNG, Balinews.id – On September 27, 2024, Eco Tourism Bali proudly hosted the second edition of World Tourism Day 2024 at Studio Eksotika, Desa Potato Head, focusing on the theme “Bali Tourism: Addressing Climate Change Through Tri Hita Karana.”
This year’s event emphasized the pressing need to confront climate issues while fostering sustainable tourism that honors the island’s cultural heritage and the traditional philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which advocates for harmony among humanity, nature, and the divine.
In line with the UNWTO’s global theme of “Tourism and Peace,” the Bali gathering highlighted the vital role of tourism in promoting understanding and harmony across cultures. By integrating Tri Hita Karana, the event underscored the necessity of respecting the environment, humanity, and spirituality, illustrating how sustainable tourism can facilitate global peace and reconciliation.
The day’s discussions commenced with a panel that delved into the interplay between Bali tourism, climate change, and Tri Hita Karana. Experts provided valuable insights on how these themes can inform a sustainable tourism framework for Bali, addressing environmental challenges while safeguarding cultural identity. The dialogue demonstrated how tourism can bridge the gap between ecological preservation and cultural conservation, contributing to a more peaceful global society.
The event’s alignment with the UNWTO’s emphasis on Tourism and Peace was further illustrated in a session dedicated to sustainable benchmarks and verification. As the tourism industry faces rising demands for transparency regarding sustainability practices, speakers highlighted the importance of reliable, quantifiable standards. This approach is essential not only for environmental protection but also for fostering long-term peace by ensuring the tourism sector respects local cultures and ecosystems.
In his opening remarks, the Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, represented by the Head of the Tourism Industry and Creative Economy Division, stated, “On this World Tourism Day 2024, let’s emphasize the significance of sustainability benchmarks in tourism, encouraging businesses, particularly accommodations, to adopt environmentally friendly practices and enhance our commitment to sustainability.”
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Eco Climate Badge, a new sustainability verification scheme for hotels and restaurants in Bali. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly practices that safeguard both the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the island, aligning with global efforts to foster sustainable tourism and reinforce Bali’s role in advancing peace through the preservation of its unique landscapes and traditions.
According to the Bali Provincial Office, over 7,500 hotels operate in Bali, yet only a handful have achieved international standard verification. This new guideline aims to motivate those hotels lacking sustainability certifications to improve their practices.
Booking.com has endorsed these initiatives, citing recent research indicating that 83% of global travelers now prioritize eco-friendly options, with 56% willing to pay a premium for sustainable alternatives. This makes the Eco Climate Badge particularly appealing for both travelers and hospitality businesses.
Ayuk Yulianingsih, Market Team Leader at Booking.com, noted, “Our mission is to facilitate global exploration, and we believe that everyone shares the responsibility to make the world a better place to experience.”
Amanda Marcella, Potato Head’s Director of Sustainability, commented positively on the Eco Climate Badge, stating, “It’s fantastic to have this guideline; it allows us to continuously identify areas for improvement.”
The event also featured discussions on enhancing financial support for green businesses, examining how funding can bolster sustainable tourism initiatives. Participants explored the potential of increased investment in eco-friendly projects to strengthen Bali’s commitment to sustainable development, both economically and culturally.
In conjunction with this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations, Bali’s event mirrored the global acknowledgment of tourism’s role in peacebuilding. Georgia has been selected as the official host of UNWTO’s World Tourism Day 2024, where the theme “Tourism and Peace” will be the focal point. This worldwide emphasis on tourism as a tool for reconciliation and cultural understanding resonates with the spirit of Bali’s celebration, affirming that sustainable and respectful tourism can be a powerful force for peace and progress globally.