Jakarta – Excitement filled the air as Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, joyfully announced that Penglipuran Village in Bali clinched the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2023 award from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
During the Weekly Brief forum at the ministry’s Sapta Pesona Building in Jakarta on Monday, October 23, Sandiaga expressed his pride, stating, “It is with pride I announce today that the Penglipuran Bangli tourist village in Bali has become the Best Tourism Villages 2023.”
Highlighting the crucial role that tourist villages play in Indonesia’s tourism ecosystem, Sandiaga emphasized their significance, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of the Bali Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, conveyed his appreciation for the ministry’s unwavering support and assistance, attributing the village’s international success to their guidance. He remarked, “Because tourist villages in Bali have gone through the curation stage by the ministry. The results are now visible.”
Sandiaga noted that Penglipuran Village’s triumph follows the earlier success of Nglanggeran Village in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, which secured the same award in 2021.
In a forward-looking stance, Sandiaga Uno revealed that preparations are underway for three other villages to be nominated for upcoming international awards. These villages, namely Bilibante Village in West Nusa Tenggara, Pela Village in East Kalimantan, and Taro Gianyar Village in Bali, are enlisted under the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Program.
As Indonesia continues to showcase its diverse and captivating tourist destinations, the recognition bestowed upon Penglipuran Village stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to promoting sustainable and exceptional tourism experiences on the global stage.