DENPASAR, BALINEWS.ID – Bali is making waves in the global eco-tourism movement. On May 28, 2025, Eco Tourism Bali (ETB) in partnership with The Meru Sanur hosted the 3rd Annual Eco Tourism Week (ETW) at the Bali Beach Convention Center, an event that not only promotes sustainability but also positions Bali as a pioneer of responsible travel in Southeast Asia.
This year’s ETW arrives at a pivotal moment, with ETB now officially listed under Travalyst’s global compliance list, becoming the first and only sustainable verification company in Indonesia to earn such distinction. The milestone marks a global recognition of local efforts to transform tourism into a regenerative force for good.
“Eco Tourism Week is more than a showcase, it’s a call to action,” said Suzy Hutomo, Co-Founder of Eco Tourism Bali. “By aligning our timeline with global observances like International Biodiversity Day and World Environment Day, we want to reinforce the idea that tourism must evolve, integrating nature conservation, climate action, and local values at its core.”
The event brought together over 300 attendees, featuring a B2B exhibition of 50 sustainable solutions designed for the hospitality industry. Highlights included three expert panels and ten innovation-led presentations. Participants also voted for the Most Impactful and Most Innovative Solution of the Year, emphasizing community-driven progress.
Adding an artistic edge to the climate conversation, local artist Ririn Yaxley (Kita Bisa) curated a thought-provoking art installation made entirely from waste collected from the hospitality sector, a creative reminder of the urgent need for waste reduction and reuse.
Supporting the week-long event, The Meru Sanur reaffirmed its commitment to green hospitality. “Sustainability is not just a buzzword, it’s a business responsibility,” said Ed Brea, General Manager of The Meru Sanur. “Our involvement reflects a deep belief in promoting practices that reduce environmental harm while supporting local communities and culture.”
The Ministry of Tourism also threw its weight behind the initiative. Deputy Minister for Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, emphasized the government’s broader green tourism agenda, including the Clean Tourism Movement and #KeepTheWonder campaign. “Events like ETW are vital in accelerating Indonesia’s transformation toward a more sustainable tourism ecosystem,” she said.
A special ceremony honored 21 hotels and restaurants across Bali that earned their Eco Climate Badge verification between 2024 and 2025, proof of growing industry momentum.
Co-Founder Rahmi Fajar Harini sees the progress as just the beginning. “Being part of Travalyst’s global network among 60 international certification bodies means we can now elevate Bali’s eco-tourism efforts to the world stage,” she noted.
As Eco Tourism Week enters its fourth year, it continues to grow as a platform where policymakers, academics, businesses, and changemakers converge, not just to talk, but to build a climate-resilient future rooted in local wisdom. (*)
