The Denpasar City Government in Bali plans to continue promoting various sporting events that are not only performance-oriented but also capable of serving as tourist attractions.
The Deputy Mayor of Denpasar, I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa, stated that the development of sports-based tourism must be carried out sustainably, while remaining mindful of the character, culture and environment, as well as the comfort of the Denpasar community. On Monday, 14th of September, he received the Special Recognition Award – Outstanding Leadership in Advancing Sport Tourism in Bali 2026 at the 11th Bali Tourism Award 2026.
“We do not want sports tourism to be merely a fleeting event. We hope that sports activities can become part of a sustainable tourism ecosystem. This recognition serves as positive energy for all parties to continue innovating and delivering high-quality tourism activities in Denpasar,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, I Wayan Sumarajaya—attending the awards ceremony on behalf of the Governor of Bali—stated that tourism in Bali is not merely an economic matter but an integral part of the community’s way of life that has been passed down through generations. He also noted that, as of August 2026, tourist visits to Bali had reached approximately 4.6 million, reflecting growth compared to the same period in 2025.
“It is our shared responsibility to foster quality tourism that benefits the community, with service quality serving as a key determining factor,” he remarked.
Overall, Bali has steadily become more well-known as a sports tourism destination among domestic and international tourists. For example, on the 12th and the 13th of September, the Bali Friendship Hockey Festival (BFHF) 2026 was organised not merely as a competitive event, but also as a platform to foster the development of the sport of hockey and boost the potential of sports tourism in Bali.
The Organising Committee Chairman of BFHF 2026, Dave Helmy Willem, observed that this year’s event received a positive response from participants. Several countries took part in the festival, including Indonesia, Singapore and Australia. He also mentioned that there were participants who expressed plans to bring a team from the United States to take part in the BFHF next year.
“Six countries participated this time, [including] Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia. We hope for even greater participation next year,” Willem previously said on Sunday, the 13th of September.