[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his post congratulates Bali CoBTA for being recognized as a 2013 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards Finalist. This award recognizes exceptional commitment to supporting the local community and economy in which your business operates.

Bali Community Based Tourism Association (Bali CoBTA) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that promotes sustainable tourism. By facilitating the development of community based tourism villages, tourists are given a unique opportunity to experience local culture and community life, while communities are empowered to earn an additional income by preserving and showcasing their culture and heritage.

Our favourite things about them!

• Strong capacity building.
• Supports larger community.
• The advisory committee and organisational structure of the association (including the governor of Bali!) is really a great achievement.
• The organisation is coordinating support for the communities, so in this sense it is highly involved in community development.

Inspiring Management

• Working with tour operators to sell packages showcasing local agriculture, nature, home industries, historical sites etc.

Community Engagement and Development

• Working with seven villages with approx minimum 10 homestays per village.
• Association operates as non-profit NGO with multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Willingness to participate in association must come from community itself with support from community leader.
• Work with NGOs/private sector to tackle issues e.g. water shortages and drinkable water.
• Community encouraged to source local food produce and local crafts from village craftsmen.
• Their mission is Tourism, Trade and Investment – using tourism as a way to open up investment to support local SMEs to grow.
• Work with potential communities for CBT and provide training (housekeeping,  guiding) in collaboration with other institutes or tourism businesses, to empower them to join.
• Office staff receive minimum wage; communities receive alternative income through tourism packages.
• Regular meetings with community leaders to progress, improvements required and local needs.

Cultural Preservation

• During traditional gatherings or ceremonies, the host invites guests and lends traditional dress to participate in. The host provides insightful information about what the event is about.