Kompetisi Pariwisata Indonesia (KPI) is an annual event organized by students of the D-3 Travel Business Program, Department of Commerce Administration, Bandung State Polytechnic, which has been held since 2009 and has been conducted 15 times. In 2026, KPI enters its 16th implementation by carrying the theme “Sustainability from Land to Sea: Connecting People, Nature, and Tourism for a Sustainable Future” with the tagline “People and Nature for Sustainable Tourism.” This theme is raised in response to the rapid growth of tourism, which has resulted in various challenges such as overtourism, environmental degradation, and increasing waste generation, particularly affecting land and marine ecosystems.

The 16th KPI aims to develop students’ potential and creativity in producing ideas and works oriented toward sustainable tourism, emphasizing the balance between environmental, social, and cultural aspects. The phenomenon of overtourism occurring in various tourist destinations in Indonesia indicates that poorly managed tourism activities can reduce environmental quality and local community comfort. Furthermore, the strong connection between land-based tourism activities and marine ecosystem conditions highlights the importance of an integrated tourism approach from land to sea.

KPI 16 is organized in a hybrid format and will be held for three days, from 5–7 May, with the main focus on offline activities. In this edition, KPI 16 is presented as a general competition, no longer divided into Tourism Competition, Hospitality Competition, and General Competition categories. This inclusive concept allows students from non-tourism academic backgrounds to participate in competitions that are strongly tourism-based, encouraging collaboration in generating ideas, innovations, and creative solutions for sustainable tourism development that is harmonious between people and nature.

KPI 16 Theme: Sustainability from Land to Sea: Connecting People, Nature, and Tourism for a Sustainable Future

This theme is driven by the growing challenges within the tourism industry, particularly the issue of overtourism and its impacts on both terrestrial and marine environments. The rapid growth of tourism activities has contributed to environmental degradation, social pressure on local communities, and the increasing problem of marine debris, much of which originates from land-based activities. Therefore, this theme emphasizes the importance of the interconnected relationship between people, nature, and tourism as a unified system that must be managed sustainably.

The concept of KPI 16 focuses on the environmental, social, and cultural pillars of sustainable tourism. It highlights the need to balance tourism development with environmental conservation, community well-being, and the implementation of responsible tourism practices. Tourism is not only viewed as an economic driver, but also as a means to protect ecosystems, reduce pollution, and maintain harmony between local communities and their surrounding environment.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land, KPI 16 promotes awareness of the importance of protecting and sustainably managing both land and marine ecosystems. This approach reinforces the idea that tourism sustainability must be implemented holistically, from land-based tourism management to the preservation of coastal and marine areas.

Through this theme, KPI 16 affirms its role as a platform for tourism students to develop critical thinking, innovation, and awareness of sustainability issues such as overtourism, environmental degradation, and marine debris. Students are encouraged to view tourism as an interconnected system between people and nature, and to contribute ideas that support long-term sustainable tourism development.

By carrying the theme “Sustainability from Land to Sea: Connecting People, Nature, and Tourism for a Sustainable Future,” KPI 16 aims to foster the understanding that sustainable tourism is a shared responsibility. From the land we inhabit to the seas we must protect, the involvement of all stakeholders is essential in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for tourism.

LOGO PHILOSOPHY

The KPI letters that form a mask symbolize the identity of KPI; the mask represents the culture of Indonesian society as a sacred and religious object, with the hope that this tourism competition can preserve Indonesian culture and promote it to the general public so that it remains sustainable.

The infinity shape symbolizes sustainability and also symbolizes resilience. With sustainability, it is hoped that all parties involved in this KPI, especially tourism actors, can be more aware and concerned about sustainable tourism. So that it does not only focus on increasing economic income but can also pay attention to social, economic, environmental, and cultural aspects of developing tourism. With resilience, it is hoped that in any condition, the Indonesian Tourism Competition can survive and continue to innovate to become a forum for related parties, especially for tourism students to hone their skills to compete amid uncertain times.

The purple color symbolizes courage. With this courage, it is hoped that all parties involved, especially tourism students, as the next generation of tourism, can have the courage to try new things to create better innovations for Indonesian tourism in the future.

The orange symbolizes enthusiasm with the hope that all parties involved, especially competition participants, can enthusiastically show creativity in participating in the Indonesian Tourism Competition.

The yellow color symbolizes cheerfulness and optimism. It is hoped that all parties involved in the KPI, including tourism students, will continue to be optimistic about moving forward and innovating amid uncertain times.

The blue color symbolizes responsibility, wisdom, and professionalism. It is hoped that all parties involved can behave professionally and responsibly in contributing to the Indonesian Tourism Competition activities.

The KPI 16 vision is as follows: 

To establish the 16th Indonesian Tourism Competition as a platform for tourism students across Indonesia to develop their potential, skills, and innovations in shaping the future of sustainable tourism from land to sea, based on the three main pillars of sustainability: environmental, socio-cultural, and economic.

The KPI 16 mission is as follows: 

1. To implement the principles of sustainable tourism throughout all stages and activities of the event.

2. To integrate the theme of sustainability and the interconnectedness of land and sea, including issues of overtourism and marine debris, into every competition category and exhibition activity.

3. To increase students’ awareness of national and global tourism issues such as overtourism, sustainability, and marine debris.

4. To optimize the use of environmentally friendly technologies to support the efficient and sustainable execution of the event.

5. To collaborate with stakeholders who are committed to sustainability, including those from the government, industry, and community sectors.

6. To serve as a platform for introducing and promoting local cultures as a form of preserving national heritage and enhancing Indonesia’s tourism attractiveness.

7. To build networks and collaboration among students in order to generate creative and innovative ideas for sustainable tourism development.