Mara University of Technology

Gianyar, 9th of October, 2024. The Faculty of Tourism at Udayana University recently partnered with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia to conduct a community service program in Keliki Village, Gianyar. This collaborative event saw the participation of notable individuals, including Dr. I Nyoman Ariana, Vice Dean III of Udayana University's Faculty of Tourism, five lecturers from UiTM Malaysia, local village officials, homestay owners, community members, and international students from Udayana University's Go Bali program. The initiative, coordinated by Dr. Putu Sucita Yanthy, centered on the theme "Community Engagement in International Edu-Tourism: Innovating Homestay Management in Keliki Village, Gianyar."

The program featured a range of engaging activities, starting with village trekking, followed by an eco-print workshop, homestay management sessions, a traditional Balinese cooking class, and a Balinese traditional painting activity. These interactive sessions, including workshops and focus group discussions, aimed to equip participants with strategies for managing homestays to attract international tourists. Both Dr. Ariana and Prof. Dr. Azila Azmi from UiTM underscored the event's significance, with Dr. Ariana highlighting its role in enhancing Keliki Village's global competitiveness in homestay services. Prof. Azmi contributed valuable insights from Malaysian and Japanese homestay models, emphasizing the necessity of official licensing, cultural immersion, and high standards of cleanliness and service. With over 100 homestays, Keliki Village provides authentic cultural experiences, including stays in traditional Balinese homes and participation in local daily life, further boosted by collaborations with travel agencies and online platforms.