The tourism sector plays a crucial role in supporting Bali’s economy, with marine tourism being a significant part of it. To boost marine tourism visits, the INSA Yacht Festival in Bali (IYF) is making a return from Friday (August 9) to Sunday (August 11). The festival also aims to make the sea a part of the local lifestyle.
According to Carmelita Hartoto, Chairperson of the Indonesian National Shipowners’ Association (DPP INSA), the Yacht Festival in Bali is being held again at Benoa Marina to invigorate marine tourism and promote the development of the national shipping industry. She stated that marine tourism is a key contributor to the tourism sector’s revenue.
The tourism sector grew by 3.9 percent in 2023, contributing to the national GDP. Employment in the tourism sector reached 24.41 million jobs.
Hartoto explained that the 2024 IYF is the second event of its kind, following the successful inaugural IYF in 2022, which coincided with the G20 summit meetings and drew significant public interest. “This year, the IYF is part of the celebration of INSA’s 57th anniversary on August 9,” she said on Friday (August 9).
She hopes the event will inspire people to adopt the sea as a lifestyle in Indonesia. By becoming part of the lifestyle, Indonesia’s seas are expected to become a true source of national development in the future.
“We hope IYF 2024 will open up opportunities for the development of national marine tourism, encouraging national investors to invest in the domestic yacht sector,” she added.
Over the course of the three-day event, there is an expectation that it will promote the development of other yacht-related ecosystems, such as the growth of marinas in Indonesia with facilities that meet international standards. This will attract yacht owners to dock their vessels in Indonesia.
Hartoto noted that the development of marinas in Indonesia needs support from all stakeholders, particularly through competitive financing schemes. Furthermore, having marinas that meet standards will enhance Indonesia’s reputation as a premier destination for yacht owners from around the world.
“This will have a significant impact on the economy, benefiting sectors such as SMEs, tourism, and opening opportunities for related yacht industry development,” she explained.
Equally important, she added, is the need for more optimal support from the government, in terms of regulations and other policies, especially in the cruise and tourism vessel sectors.
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Nova Y Mugijanto, Vice Chairperson of DPP INSA and the event organizer, stated that IYF 2024 will feature a variety of activities. On August 10 and 11, the festival will host talk shows with expert speakers discussing opportunities and challenges in Indonesia’s marine tourism sector.
The talk shows will cover engaging topics such as Indonesia Maritime Business and Investment Trends, Marina Business Potential and its Impact on Waterfront Development, Yachting Hobby and Lifestyle, Standardization of Safety Culture in Marine Tourism, and Cruise Business in Indonesia. The aim is to inspire new breakthroughs in supporting the development of the yacht industry and its infrastructure.
“Given the significant interest in the previous IYF, we have extended this year’s event to three days with a range of exciting and lively activities,” Mugijanto said.
As part of the effort to support the shipping industry and strengthen the maritime ecosystem, there will be a launch of luxury boats produced by the local shipyard, Outborn Watercraft. This signifies that local shipyards are now competitive with international ones in building high-quality luxury boats.
Additionally, Redikru, a digital platform that connects shipping companies with sailors in an easy and secure manner, will also be launched.
The fashion show featuring local products will add to the excitement of IYF 2024. Premium quality and unique designs will characterize each collection displayed, adhering to global standards. This fashion show aims to support and strengthen the local creative industry.
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