Les Tourism Village, located in Bali’s Tejakula District, Buleleng Regency, has been awarded the title of Best Tourism Village at the prestigious Indonesia Tourism Village Award (ADWI) 2024. The announcement was made at an award ceremony held at the Teater Tanah Airku, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in Jakarta on Sunday, 17 November 2024.

Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, in her speech, emphasized that ADWI 2024 carries the theme of Divine Tourism Towards Classy World Green Tourism. She highlighted the government's vision for tourism villages to become self-sustaining and internationally competitive, with the aim of increasing visits to these villages by up to 30% per year to boost economic growth.

Les Tourism Village stood out for its commitment to sustainability, tourism development, and local collaboration. ADWI 2024 Jury Chairman Ari Suhandi commended the village for excelling in all evaluation categories. "Les Village’s success is due to its collaboration with several local and international universities, particularly in coral reef monitoring and restoration initiatives. Additionally, the village has empowered local communities through economic opportunities, including establishing mother groups for financial benefit," said Ari.

The village is also known for its unique salt production, called palungan salt, produced using traditional methods involving coconut tree trunks. "The salt production has become a significant tourist attraction and is even exported to Japan," added Ari.

Les is the only tourism village in Bali to make it to the top 50 of ADWI 2024, standing out for its diverse tourism offerings, which include two picturesque waterfalls, Yeh Mampeh and Yeh Anakan, and vibrant coral reefs that attract divers from around the world.

Alongside Les Tourism Village, other winners were recognized in several categories. Among them were Batu Lintang Tourism Village (West Kalimantan), Cemaga Tengah Tourism Village (Riau Islands), and Tiworiwu Tourism Village (East Nusa Tenggara), each receiving accolades for their exceptional tourism attractions.

The ADWI 2024 involved 6,016 registered tourism villages, with 50 selected as the top winners. The awards celebrate the efforts of communities in promoting tourism while ensuring the sustainability and resilience of their regions.

As Indonesia continues to position itself as a global tourism destination, the ADWI plays a pivotal role in recognizing and supporting the development of tourism villages that contribute to the country’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.

ADWI 2024 Winners Summary:

• Tourism Village Attractions: Batu Lintang (West Kalimantan), Cemaga Tengah (Riau Islands), Tiworiwu (East Nusa Tenggara)
• Amenities: Wanurejo (Central Java), Aik Berik (West Nusa Tenggara), Landorundun (South Sulawesi)
• Digital: Gunungsari (East Java), Danau Diateh-Alahan Panjang (West Sumatra), Derawan Island (East Kalimantan)
• Resilience: Gunung Prau Charm (Central Java), Pramuka Island (DKI Jakarta), Amping Parak (West Sumatra)
• Institutions & HR: Krebet (Yogyakarta), Osing Kemiren (East Java), Sibandang Island (North Sumatra)
• Initiatives: Masaligi (West Papua), Bangowan (Central Java), Education Cisaat (West Java)
• Developing: Labengki (Southeast Sulawesi), Namatota (West Papua), Laha (Maluku)
• Progressive: Jatimulyo (DI Yogyakarta), Dewi Anom (East Java), Keciput (Bangka Belitung)
• Favorite: Jagoi Babang (West Kalimantan)