Bali Governor Links Infrastructure to Tourism Competitiveness
At ITMW 2026 in Bali, Governor Wayan Koster said stronger transport, waste, water and other infrastructure were needed to protect tourism competitiveness.
Editor: Mursyid Sonsang
· 2 min read
Denpasar — At The 2nd Indonesia Tourism Marketing Week (ITMW) 2026, held in Bali from 14–18 October 2026, Bali Governor Wayan Koster newly highlighted infrastructure as a key condition for Bali to compete globally. Speaking at the forum in Sanur on Oct. 17, he said culture and nature alone could not sustain the island’s tourism competitiveness.
Koster called for improvements in public transport, waste management, clean-water supply and other public facilities. He also urged the central government to consider Bali’s tourism contribution and the pressure placed on local services when setting development-financing policies. The remarks were framed against competition from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, which he presented as reference points for improving destination quality.
Why infrastructure matters to Bali’s visitors and residents
For foreign visitors, the governor’s position means that Bali’s tourism offer is being judged not only by its cultural attractions and landscape but also by the practical conditions of a trip: how easily people move around, whether waste is managed, and whether water and other services are reliably available. For residents, the same infrastructure supports daily life as well as an economy serving millions of visitors.
The discussion came as Bali’s tourism sector continued to expand. Reports said Bali recorded 16.3 million domestic and international visits in 2025, while tourism generated Rp176 trillion (about US$10.9 billion) in foreign exchange, or about 55 percent of national tourism foreign exchange of Rp319.9 trillion (about US$19.8 billion). Koster argued that stronger infrastructure and public services were needed to protect the island’s position as an international destination and to support wider economic growth.
ITMW 2026 was organized by MarkPlus Tourism, part of MCorp, and brought together government officials, destination managers, tourism businesses, academics and marketing practitioners. Its theme was “Reimagining Tourism: In a Fragmented World!” The forum’s program ran at several locations in Bali through Oct. 18, while Koster’s opening remarks were delivered at the Wantilan Ballroom of Prama Sanur Beach Bali.
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