Bali Expands Global Partnerships with Bulgaria and Georgia, Promoting Sustainable Tourism, Cultural Exchange and Education Initiatives: New Update

Posted on November 5, 2025

Bali is rapidly expanding its global partnerships with Bulgaria and Georgia, aiming to create lasting impacts in sustainable tourism, cultural exchange and educational initiatives. The province leverages this international cooperation to enhance mutual understanding, promote community development and showcase its rich cultural heritage on the world stage. Through the establishment of sister city programmes, cultural exchanges, and honorary consulates, Bali is creating structured opportunities for knowledge exchange, tourism promotion, and creative industry growth, and positions itself as a model for strategic international engagement.

Bali is actively expanding its international relations, focusing on cooperation spanning culture, education, tourism and economic development. The province is increasingly cooperating with foreign partners to build meaningful relationships that promote mutual growth, community benefits and global cultural exchange.

The main focus of these efforts is the proposed sister cities program with Bulgaria. This initiative aims to establish formal links between cities in both regions, and create pathways for sustainable tourism, educational cooperation and cultural interaction. Later this year, a delegation of Bulgarian mayors is expected to visit Bali to explore opportunities for joint projects and cultural partnerships.

The discussions underscore the potential for multifaceted cooperation, including trade, tourism promotion, agriculture and technology exchange. Cultural initiatives are central to the programme, with plans to bring Balinese artists to perform in Bulgaria and encourage Bulgarian visitors to experience Bali’s artistic heritage and natural beauty. These exchanges aim to promote deeper cultural understanding and strengthen relations between regions.

The governorate administration pledged its full support for these initiatives, stressing the importance of programs that achieve tangible benefits for local communities. By focusing on the creative economy, education and cultural diplomacy, Bali seeks to create sustainable partnerships that enrich both residents and international collaborators. The Bali Arts Festival, scheduled to be held in June 2026, is expected to serve as a major platform for international engagement, celebrating art as a bridge between nations.

Bulgaria is not the only European country seeking a closer relationship with Bali. Earlier this year, discussions took place regarding establishing an honorary consulate of Georgia in the province. This development reflects the growing presence of Georgian citizens and companies in Bali, especially in the hospitality and construction sectors. The Honorary Consulate will provide essential services to foreign residents and visitors, including document processing, verification of official papers, and assistance with administrative procedures.

Unlike traditional embassies, an honorary consulate is usually run by a local resident who is not a career diplomat. Although the representative does not have diplomatic immunity, he has good relations with the community and serves as a vital link between local authorities and foreign nationals. This arrangement allows Georgia to provide practical support to its citizens while strengthening bilateral relations with Bali.

Through initiatives such as sister city programs and honorary consulates, Bali positions itself as a center for international cooperation and cultural exchange. By creating structured opportunities for education, tourism and cultural cooperation, the province enhances its global reputation and promotes mutual learning with international partners. The focus on sustainable tourism, creative industries and education demonstrates Bali’s commitment to inclusive growth that benefits local communities and visiting collaborators.

As Bali continues to expand its international networks, these initiatives help the province build meaningful global connections. By promoting cultural exchanges, encouraging tourism, and supporting education and economic cooperation, Bali is strengthening its role as a leading destination for global engagement. Through these partnerships, the island not only attracts international attention, but also creates long-term relationships that support community development, cross-cultural understanding and knowledge exchange.

Bali works to strengthen global relations with Bulgaria and Georgia, promoting sustainable tourism, cultural exchange and education through sister city programs and international cooperation.

Bali’s proactive approach to building global partnerships positions it as a model for regional cooperation, blending culture, education and economic development into a cohesive strategy that benefits both residents and international visitors. These efforts demonstrate the province’s ambition to strengthen ties around the world while celebrating its unique cultural heritage.