Bali is set to welcome some of Asia’s finest swimmers as the island prepares to host one of the region’s most prestigious aquatic competitions. The 12th Asian Open Water Swimming Championship 2026 will take place from June 13 to 15 in the waters of Jimbaran Bay, near InterContinental Bali Resort, bringing together elite athletes from 17 countries across Asia.
The championship represents more than a major sporting event. It is also expected to strengthen Indonesia’s reputation as a leading destination for sport tourism, a segment that continues to gain importance within the global travel industry.
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the event aligns closely with the Ministry of Tourism’s flagship agenda for 2026, which focuses on promoting high-quality tourism experiences.
“This event also serves as a sport tourism platform that aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s flagship program for 2026, namely quality tourism,” Widiyanti said during a press conference in Jakarta on June 4, 2026.
According to the minister, sport tourism offers significant opportunities to boost the competitiveness of Indonesia’s tourism sector. Data from UN Tourism shows that sport tourism accounted for approximately 10 percent of total global tourism spending in 2023. The sector is also projected to expand by 17.5 percent between 2023 and 2030.
Widiyanti noted that international sporting events generate benefits that extend well beyond the competition itself. Such events can attract more visitors, encourage tourists to stay longer, and stimulate economic activity across multiple industries. Hotels, transportation providers, restaurants, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises all stand to benefit from the increased visitor flow.
“Sport tourism not only brings sporting competitions but also serves as an effective way to strengthen the promotion of Indonesian destinations in the global market,” she said.
The choice of Jimbaran as the host venue adds another layer of appeal to the championship. Known for its stunning coastline and world-class ocean views, the area offers a unique setting where competitive sports meet natural beauty. The combination is expected to attract not only athletes but also spectators and travelers from various countries.
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Alongside the championship for professional competitors, organizers will also stage the A.Stream OWS Series Bali 2026. Unlike the elite competition, this event is designed for beginner swimmers, sports communities, and members of the public who want to participate in open water swimming activities.
Participants in the A.Stream OWS Series will have the opportunity to swim on the same course used by Asia’s top athletes. The experience is expected to provide a unique connection between amateur enthusiasts and professional-level competition.
Widiyanti hopes the successful organization of the championship will encourage the development of similar sport tourism events in other premier destinations throughout Indonesia. She specifically highlighted Lombok, Belitung, and Labuan Bajo as locations with strong potential to host future events of this kind.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 12th Asian Open Water Swimming Championship 2026 and A.Stream OWS Series 2026, Kiki Taher, expressed Indonesia’s pride in being selected as the host nation for the continental tournament.
He said preparations are progressing smoothly and have already reached 95 percent completion. Organizers have faced several challenges during the planning process, particularly due to global developments that have influenced international airfare prices. Despite those obstacles, preparations continue to move forward as Bali gets ready to welcome athletes, officials, and visitors from across Asia for one of the region’s biggest open water swimming events.
