bali draws inspiration from african conservation tourism
The Africa-Indonesia Forum 2024 recently concluded in Bali, bringing together leaders and industry experts from both regions. Key takeaways centered on how innovation and new ideas could be integrated into various sectors such as agriculture, trade, industry, and tourism.
A major point of interest for Bali’s tourism sector was the wealth of knowledge shared by African nations on conservation tourism. Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, highlighted the value of learning from African conservation efforts. He remarked, “What we can learn from Africa is conservation tourism, so we met with the President of Tanzania and Algeria, and it turns out that Algeria is a country with the largest amount of Roman-era buildings, larger than Italy.”
Minister Uno emphasized that Indonesia can take inspiration from African countries that have successfully turned their historical heritage into both tourist attractions and preservation sites. One particularly striking example was Tanzania, which generates 30% of its income from tourism, much of it centered around wildlife tourism. Minister Uno noted, “30% of its economy is contributed by tourism that focuses only on seeing animals.”
Meanwhile, the island of Zanzibar, often mistakenly referred to as a separate country during the forum, shares many similarities with Bali’s tourism landscape. Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania, faces both the benefits and challenges of rapid tourism development, akin to those seen in Bali.
Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, also pointed to Tanzania as a model for maritime tourism and the marine economy. He proposed stronger cooperation between Bali and Tanzania, including the establishment of sister islands and maritime tourism hubs. “We must increase cooperation in coastal and marine tourism,” he told reporters.
Looking ahead, new agreements are set to be signed between Bali Province and Zanzibar to further develop conservation tourism, maritime tourism, and the blue economy. Both regions are keen to protect their landscapes while fostering tourism growth.
Zanzibar, facing risks of over-tourism, has introduced mandatory travel insurance for visitors as of October 1, 2024. All tourists must obtain coverage through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), ensuring they are protected during emergencies such as medical evacuations. This new policy might offer valuable lessons for Bali, where medical emergencies among uninsured tourists have led to exorbitant bills.
With Indonesia aiming to promote more culturally respectful and sustainable tourism, these partnerships with African nations are seen as a potential turning point for the archipelago. For Bali in particular, finding ways to protect its landscapes while encouraging high-quality tourism remains a top priority.
Policymakers are also preparing to introduce legislation regulating agricultural and community land conversion for commercial and tourism purposes, a step many believe is crucial to safeguarding the island’s remaining natural areas. Recently, Bali also explored the idea of floating airports to enhance connectivity to other small, nearby islands. The collaboration between Bali and Africa offers hope for a more sustainable and respectful approach to tourism in the future.
The Impact on Bali's Tourism and Rental Market
As Bali draws lessons from African nations on sustainable tourism, the island’s tourism sector is poised for significant changes, especially in its real estate and rental markets. With a renewed focus on conservation tourism, the shift toward more eco-friendly and culturally respectful practices may influence both tourists and property investors.
For tourists looking to rent a property in Bali, this could mean an increase in demand for accommodations that are in harmony with nature. More Bali villas may adopt eco-friendly designs and sustainable practices to appeal to the rising number of visitors seeking a responsible travel experience. With a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism, Bali villas for rent that are located near protected areas or natural attractions could see an increase in both value and demand.
At the same time, this new direction may also impact those looking to buy villas in Bali. As conservation efforts take center stage, areas once targeted for commercial or mass tourism development may now face stricter regulations. This shift might create a more stable and long-term approach to Bali real estate, prioritizing properties that blend with the local environment and contribute to the preservation of Bali's natural beauty.
Increased awareness of conservation and sustainable tourism could lead to a preference for properties that are not just luxurious, but also environmentally responsible. Investors and visitors alike may find greater appeal in locations that emphasize eco-friendly living, potentially boosting the value of Bali real estate in these areas.
As the tourism and real estate sectors align with Bali’s conservation goals, the island’s reputation as a top global destination could further solidify, benefiting not only travelers but also the local communities and natural landscapes.