Bali’s Tourism Sector Embraces Circular Economy to Enhance Sustainability and Visitor Experience
Denpasar, Bali – In an effort to strengthen sustainability in its vibrant tourism industry, Bali is advancing initiatives to pioneer a circular economy model that benefits both local communities and visitors. This approach was highlighted during the 2026 Destination Gathering organized by the Denpasar City Government through the Denpasar City Tourism Office.
The annual conference, themed “Waste-to-Worth: Implementing Circular Economy in Denpasar’s Tourism,” brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders, environmental groups, and academics at the Mercure Resort Sanur. Discussions focused on managing waste more effectively within Bali’s tourism sector to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life on the island.
Denpasar Regional Secretary I Gusti Ngurah Eddy Mulyadi delivered remarks on behalf of Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated waste management solutions. “Waste management, especially in the tourism sector, impacts not only the environment but also the destination’s image and tourists’ comfort,” Mulyadi noted.
Examples of sustainability leadership were highlighted, including Waterbom Bali, acclaimed as the world’s most sustainable waterpark. The park processes approximately 1,197 kilograms of waste daily and converts around 330 tons of organic waste annually through on-site composting, reducing carbon emissions significantly. Other tourism businesses such as Desa Potato Head and Astungkaraway have also adopted circular economy principles by rethinking waste as a resource.
However, more systemic action is necessary as Bali faces pressing waste disposal challenges. With the imminent closure of Suwung TPA, the island’s largest open landfill, and delays in constructing the new Waste to Energy facility, tourism officials urge swift and collective efforts to address waste sustainably.
Mulyadi called on tourism operators across destinations and hospitality sectors to adopt the 5R concept—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, and Rot—transforming waste management into a strategic component of sustaining Bali’s cultural and ecological heritage. Simple yet impactful measures include separating organic and inorganic waste, minimizing single-use plastics, composting food scraps, and repurposing valuable materials.
The Regional Secretary emphasized that collaboration between businesses and tourists alike is essential to maintaining Bali as a clean, thriving island. “If every tourism actor consistently takes these small steps, the collective impact will be tremendous for the cleanliness and sustainability of our city,” he said.
As Bali continues to welcome increasing numbers of both domestic and international visitors, these circular economy initiatives signal a forward-thinking path that aligns with the island’s traditional Tri Hita Karana philosophy—harmonizing people, nature, and spirit—to ensure sustainable prosperity for future generations.
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