The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) supports the Asia Pacific Tourism, Hospitality Summit and Digital Brand Award 2024 which was opened directly by the Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno on 11-12 January 2024 at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC).

This event was organised by ENHAIIERS, in collaboration with ZEALS & WISE STEP and also supported by UNDP, SMESCO and the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy. The event was held to provide an opportunity for tourism and hospitality industry practitioners to establish partnerships and networks with each other, as well as provide an opportunity to see and recognise current and future tourism and hospitality trends with green technology.

With the main topic of Sustainability, Technology & Tourism Investment, the event was attended by CEOs, General Managers of tourism and hospitality in Indonesia, experts, intellectual community and leading academics in the field of tourism and hospitality industry in Indonesia as well as leading officials representing various interests in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Tourism and Economic Strategy of Kadin Indonesia, Jerry Justianto, said that tourism has entered a new era or "trend" in running its business. Tourists and the younger generation are more interested in sustainability, so sustainable tourism is important. However, to create this requires a large investment. Therefore, there is a need for co-operation between industry, government, and international donors to promote integrated sustainable tourism. By supporting each other, Indonesia's tourism potential will be maximised properly.

Bali Provincial Secretary Dewa Made Indra said, the widespread use of technology in many aspects in various countries makes life easier and encourages many innovations. However, the rapid development of technology must be utilised wisely and remain in favour of the concept of sustainability, especially in the development of the tourism sector. This was conveyed in his remarks at the opening of the Asia Pacific Tourism, Hospitality Summit & Digital Brand Award 2024 at Pecatu Hall BNDCC Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, Thursday (11/1/2024).

Dewa Made Indra explained that the rapid development of the tourism industry marked by an increase in the number of tourist visits both domestic and foreign is a challenge for Bali in an effort to protect culture and preserve the environment.

In facing this challenge, the Balinese people uphold a philosophy called Tri Hita Karana. He argued that this local wisdom that is still firmly held by the Balinese people is very helpful in efforts to protect cultural and environmental sustainability. He explained that Tri Hita Karana is three elements that can create happiness, harmony and balance in life.

These three elements include the harmonious relationship between man and God (Parahyangan), man and his neighbour (Pawongan) and man and the environment (Palemahan). "This is the philosophy that guides the life of the Balinese people. That is why, anyone who goes to Bali will feel a calming and happy vibration," he said.

According to him, organising this event will be a good promotional medium for the Balinese region. "This proves that Bali is not only suitable as a place to travel, but also a place for meetings and business," he said.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno in his presentation mentioned indicators of the future of tourism that are closely related to sustainable lifestyles. These indicators include responsible consumption, sustainable planning, sustainable mobility, recycling and reducing the use of plastics, food security and an environmentally friendly generation. To that end, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has launched many initiative programmes such as guidelines for plastic waste management in marine tourism objects, awarding certificates for tourist destinations and tourist villages, implementing the use of renewable energy sources, awarding tourist villages and other programmes to realise the concept of sustainable tourism.

Enhaiier President Director Irmansjah Madewa in his report said that this activity discussed three major issues, namely technology in tourism, tourism investment and tourism sustainability.

"Technology and investment must be able to synergise with nature so as to preserve nature as one of the most important assets in the tourism sector," he concluded.

##