Bali, the jewel of Indonesia, is no longer just a dream holiday destination. The island has now established itself as a major player in MICE tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. Bali offers a unique combination of modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and exceptional natural surroundings, making it an attractive destination for professional events of all sizes.

► Discover Bali, the island of the gods
 

Ubud Monkey Forest - Mr Linh's Adventures

Historically a land of spirituality and culture, Bali began its tourism development in the 1970s. Business tourism experienced significant growth in the early 2000s with the opening of the Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) and the construction of high-end hotels with state-of-the-art MICE facilities.

Saraswati Temple, Ubud - Mr Linh's Adventures

Bali has demonstrated its ability to successfully host large-scale international events, attracting global leaders and experts from various sectors. Recently, the island has hosted several significant events:
In 2024, Bali hosted parallel events to the G20, meetings of the APEC Tourism Working Group, and the ASEAN Tourism Forum. In 2023, the island welcomed the United Nations Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (with 6,000 delegates), the International Conference on Sustainable Tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit (2,500 participants), and the Indonesian MICE Tourism Forum. In 2022, Bali hosted the G20 Summit and related events (17 ministerial meetings), the B20 Summit (over 3,000 participants), and parallel events to the COP15 Biodiversity Conference.

To support these large-scale events, Bali has state-of-the-art infrastructures, including:

MICE tourism in Bali generates substantial economic benefits, as evidenced by figures from the Bali Tourism Office. Each delegate participating in a MICE event spends an average of between 385 and 450 USD per day, directly contributing to the local economy. MICE events typically last 3 to 5 days, meaning participants stay longer on the island and spend more. The direct spending by delegates has a multiplier effect on the local economy, generating indirect benefits 2.5 times greater. This means that every dollar spent by a delegate benefits multiple sectors such as hospitality, catering, transportation, commerce, and services. In summary, MICE tourism is a significant driver of Bali's economic growth, creating jobs, boosting business activity, and contributing to the island's development.
 

Tegalalang Rice Fields - Mr Linh's Adventures

Bali stands out as a premier destination for MICE tourism, offering a combination of strengths that make it an attractive option for event organizers and participants. The island boasts quality infrastructure with ultra-modern conference centers and international hotels offering state-of-the-art amenities to cater to events of all sizes. Connectivity is also a strong point, thanks to high-speed internet connection and the Ngurah Rai International Airport, facilitating access from around the world.

Beyond its infrastructure, Bali charms with its natural and cultural attractions. Its stable tropical climate throughout the year makes it a pleasant destination in all seasons. The island is also home to numerous UNESCO-listed cultural sites, showcasing the richness of its heritage. Balinese cuisine is another major asset, with delicious and diverse food that will delight the participants' taste buds. Lastly, Bali offers a variety of unique team-building activities, from rafting in rivers to exploring temples and local craftsmanship, thus strengthening the bonds between participants and creating memorable experiences.

In addition to these strengths, Bali distinguishes itself with its attractive price-quality ratio. Costs are competitive compared to other destinations in the region, while offering high-end services and qualified, hospitable staff. This combination of modern infrastructure, natural and cultural attractions, delicious cuisine, and advantageous price-quality ratio makes Bali an ideal destination for MICE events, providing a unique and enriching experience for all participants.

Despite its many strengths, Bali still faces certain challenges to solidify its position as a leading MICE destination. Logistics can sometimes be complex, with frequent traffic congestion in certain areas and significant distances between some sites. Airport capacity, though continuously improving, can also be a limiting factor during large-scale events. Regarding infrastructure, the quality of service providers can vary, and the maintenance of some facilities may sometimes be insufficient. Internet connectivity, although generally good in tourist areas, can be unstable in other regions of the island.
Bali is also located in a natural disaster-prone area, with seismic and volcanic activity that must be taken into account in event planning.

To overcome these challenges, Bali is constantly striving to improve its infrastructure, enhance provider training, develop alternative transportation solutions, and implement natural disaster risk management plans. The island is also working to ensure reliable and accessible internet connectivity throughout its territory.
 

A resort near Ubud - Mr Linh's Adventures

Bali is firmly committed to developing its MICE tourism, with massive investments and an ambitious long-term vision. The island continues to improve its infrastructure and services to strengthen its position in the business tourism market.

Significant investments are allocated to transport development, with projects such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the development of the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub, which will facilitate access to the island and on-site travel. Increasing hotel and airport capacities is also a priority to accommodate a growing number of visitors and large-scale events.

In the long term, Bali aims to position itself as a major MICE hub in Asia, focusing on sustainable development and ecotourism. The island seeks to diversify its MICE offerings by providing unique and personalized experiences to meet the specific needs of each event. Technological integration is also an important development focus, with the use of virtual reality, the organization of hybrid events, and other innovations to enhance the participants' experience.
 

Kuta beach - Mr Linh's Adventures

Bali asserts itself as a leading MICE destination, combining modern infrastructure with ancestral culture and exceptional natural landscapes. Massive investments and the Indonesian government's long-term vision portend a promising future for business tourism on the island. Bali will need to address the challenges of sustainable tourism management and the balance between economic development and cultural preservation to ensure lasting success in the MICE sector.
You may also read :

► Vietnam in 2025: A Bleisure Destination Reinventing Itself
► 2025 Business Tourism Trends in Cambodia
► Ho Chi Minh City: A Metropolis of Excellence for Business Tourism

Primary Sources: