Nusa Dua, February 10, 2025 – Bali Tourism Polytechnic (BiTP) together with 5 other Tourism Polytechnics under the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia participated in the 2025 Public Lecture for the Second Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year. The event was held both offline at each Tourism Polytechnic and virtually via YouTube and Zoom Meeting. The focus of the 2025 Public Lecture was on the 2025 Tourism Trends, specifically Marine and Wellness Tourism. The Minister of Tourism emphasized the crucial role of Tourism Polytechnics in producing quality human resources to face current industry challenges.
The Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Mrs. Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, officially opened the 2024/2025 Tourism Polytechnic Public Lecture virtually. In her speech, the Minister expressed that it is vital for Tourism Polytechnic students to learn the concepts of sustainability, marine, and wellness tourism to apply them in the industry. She continued the public lecture by presenting topics on sustainable tourism, marine tourism, and wellness tourism.
Marine and Wellness Tourism are fundamental aspects that must be developed in an integrated manner. Sustainable tourism ensures that tourism activities not only provide economic benefits but also preserve environmental sustainability and cultural social welfare. The Minister mentioned that the concept of sustainable tourism guarantees that tourism development has a positive impact on the future, reducing negative environmental impacts. Widiyanti also highlighted that Indonesia has adopted the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards as a guide for responsible destination management.
The Minister also explained marine tourism is not only about snorkeling and diving, in fact Indonesia also has the potential to become a sea travel destination. After a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, cruise tourism in Indonesia saw a 269% increase in passengers and a 221% increase in ship calls in 2022-2023. “As for wellness tourism, it is a leading global tourism trend. Travelers are increasingly aware of the importance of life balance, so travel is no longer just for entertainment but also for physical, mental, and spiritual health,” explained Widiyanti. Wellness tourism in Indonesia itself includes various aspects such as healthy cuisine, cultural tourism, authentic experiences, spa & beauty, premium accommodations, self-adventure, sports, and quality environments.
During the Public Lecture, the Minister also introduced the 2025 Ministry of Tourism Program, which consists of: (1) Clean Tourism Movement, (2) Tourism 5.0, (3) Upgrading Tourism, (4) Events with Indonesian Intellectual Property, and (5) Strengthening Tourist Villages. Three of these five programs—Clean Tourism Movement, Upgrading Tourism, and Strengthening Tourist Villages—are closely related to Sustainability, Marine Tourism, and Wellness Tourism. The Minister specifically entrusted Tourism Polytechnic students to be at the forefront of realizing sustainable tourism. “You will not only become industry players but also agents of change, bringing innovation and solutions to the challenges of modern tourism,” added Widiyanti.
The Public Lecture also featured speakers such as Dedy Irfan Bachri (GM of the Maros Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark Management Body) and Andi Adriana Rumpang (Miss Indonesia South Sulawesi 2025), who attended in person at the Makassar Tourism Polytechnic. Bachri specifically presented on marine tourism management at the Maros Pangkep Geopark, as well as the challenges and collaborations undertaken. Meanwhile, Andi Adriana, who is also a doctor, discussed wellness tourism, including physical, mental, and spiritual health.
