The Ubud Hotels Association (UHA) brought its members together for UHA Gathering #4 on 21 August 2026 at MĀUA Olea Ubud, continuing its regular platform for connection, knowledge-sharing, and industry updates.

Bringing together members and industry partners, the fourth gathering offered a snapshot of what is currently shaping the hospitality landscape while also looking ahead to the initiatives and activities planned for the months to come.

At the heart of the gathering was an Association Update, providing members with the latest developments within UHA, an overview of the upcoming monthly calendar, and a preview of several key initiatives that will bring the hospitality community together in the coming months.

Growing Together as a Community

UHA continues to expand its network, reaching 134 members as of August 2026. The growing membership reflects the continued engagement of hotels and hospitality businesses in Ubud and the surrounding area, while strengthening UHA's role as a platform for connection and collaboration across the industry.

With a growing community comes an increasingly active calendar. During the gathering, members received an update on the UHA Monthly Calendar, including upcoming gatherings, networking opportunities, and activities across the association's different divisions.

The coming months will see continued engagement across areas such as Marketing, Human Resources, Sustainability, Food & Beverage, and other hospitality functions, creating more opportunities for members to connect with peers within their respective fields. These activities are designed not only to share knowledge, but also to encourage members to exchange experiences, discuss industry challenges, and build stronger professional connections.The calendar also gives members a clearer view of what is ahead, allowing properties and their teams to stay engaged with UHA activities throughout the year.

Looking Ahead to the Ubud Running Festival

One of the key highlights of the Association Update was the introduction of the Ubud Running Festival, the evolution of what was previously known as Ubud Run Day.

As one of UHA's biggest community initiatives, the event represents an opportunity to bring together the hospitality community through sport, wellness, and shared experiences. The new festival format marks the next step in developing the event into a broader community experience.

As preparations continue over the coming months, members will receive further information about the event and opportunities to be involved. The gathering served as an early introduction to what is ahead, inviting members to stay connected as the festival takes shape.

Industry Highlights: Mobility, Travel and Sustainability

Alongside the Association Update, the gathering featured three industry-focused sessions, each bringing a different perspective to topics relevant to today's hospitality businesses.

The Future of Sustainable Mobility

Representatives from BYD Harmony Indonesia – Bali Branch shared insights into the growing role of electric mobility and its potential relevance to the hospitality industry.
As sustainability continues to influence the way hotels approach their operations, transportation is becoming another area where properties can explore more sustainable alternatives. Electric vehicles can support a range of hospitality needs, from guest transfers and hotel transportation to operational mobility.
The session offered members an opportunity to look beyond current transportation practices and consider how the transition towards electric mobility could contribute to future-facing hospitality operations.
 

Understanding the Changing Traveller

The gathering also welcomed Booking.com for a market update focused on evolving traveller behaviour and opportunities for Ubud properties.

Among the highlights were the growing relevance of family travellers and the potential of the Middle Eastern market. These changing market segments present opportunities for properties to reconsider how they position their accommodation, facilities, and guest experiences.

The session also touched on the increasing role of technology and AI in the travel journey. As travellers increasingly use digital tools to discover, compare, and plan their trips, maintaining accurate property information, strong visual content, and a well-optimised online presence becomes increasingly important.

For UHA members, the discussion provided practical considerations for adapting their digital presence alongside changing traveller expectations.

Rethinking Waste Management

The gathering also featured a product knowledge session by Padas Bali Lestari, introducing members to source-based waste management and its potential application within hospitality operations.

Rather than focusing solely on the collection and disposal of waste, source-based management encourages waste to be separated and handled from the point where it is generated.

For hotels, this can be particularly relevant across kitchens, restaurants, housekeeping, guest rooms, and landscaping, where different types of waste are produced every day. Separating waste at the source can create better opportunities for recycling, organic waste processing, and reducing residual waste.

The session encouraged members to look at waste management not simply as a disposal process, but as an operational practice that can contribute to a property's wider sustainability efforts.

What Comes Next for UHA

From the growth of its membership to the expanding monthly calendar and the upcoming Ubud Running Festival, UHA Gathering #4 highlighted the continued momentum within the association.

The gathering reflected UHA’s continued commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for its members to connect, share knowledge, and stay engaged with the wider hospitality community.

With a growing membership of 134 properties, an active calendar of events and activities across different divisions, and the Ubud Running Festival on the horizon, UHA continues to build a platform that brings the hospitality community closer together.

The months ahead will offer more opportunities for members to participate, collaborate, and grow together as part of UHA’s ongoing journey.