Buleleng Government Targets 25,000 Tourist Visits for Lovina Festival 2026

Buleleng, Bali - The Buleleng Regency Government is targeting 25,000 tourist visits during the Lovina Festival 2026, scheduled to take place from 24 to 28 July. Bupati Buleleng I Nyoman Sutjidra stated during a press conference at Spice Dive Beach Club Lovina that preparations are fully complete, with organisers and local communities now focusing on final venue arrangements to ensure the event runs smoothly. The Bupati emphasised that the Lovina Festival serves not only as a platform to promote North Bali’s premier tourist destinations but also as a catalyst for boosting local economic activity through tourism, micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM), and the creative economy. He noted that public enthusiasm is reflected in the rising number of participants, with the mini sailing boat competition alone attracting 1,230 entrants, including participants from Banyuwangi, East Java. This level of interest is expected to increase hotel occupancy rates, tourist arrivals, and local economic turnover during the festival. Tourism figure Nyoman Arya Astawa, known as Mang Dauh, confirmed that hotel occupancy in the Lovina area has already surged since the festival was promoted, with some acquaintances unable to secure rooms due to full bookings. Festival coordinator Putu Ayu Reika Nurhaeni explained that the theme ‘Theatre of Dolphins’ portrays Lovina as a natural stage where dolphins coexist with the community, culture, and local wisdom. Now in its 12th year, the festival has been extended to five days to encourage longer tourist stays and greater economic impact. Events will be split between two locations: Tasikmadu from 24-26 July targeting international visitors, and Binaria Beach from 26-28 July focusing on domestic tourists. The programme includes traditional and modern art performances, a decorated cow competition, mini sailing boat races, Lovina Cross Country, a fish-eating campaign, book reviews, creative economy discussions, and an UMKM exhibition. The festival, part of the 2026 Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN), will involve 250 artists and performers, 82 UMKM businesses, and 44 communities.