Padang, West Sumatra (ANTARA) - Deputy Governor of West Sumatra Nasrul Abit believes that the international cycling race and sports tourism event of Tour de Singkarak (TdS) should be able to proffer direct economic benefits to the local residents.

Hence, the host and other regions along the race's routes should chalk out supporting events that involve small- and medium-scale industries to have impacts on the local people, he stated here on Wednesday.

He appealed to local governments to hold activities to coincide with the TdS, such as bazaars, art and cultural performances, as well as exhibitions, to attract people to visit.

Such activities can offer economic benefits and attract people to also support the implementation of the international cycling race, he remarked.

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West Sumatra Province is gearing up to implement its iconic sports tourism event of Tour de Singkarak on November 2-10, 2019.

The route for the 11th edition of the TdS will be expanded this year for the first time to also cover Jambi Province.

With prizes, amounting to Rp2.3 billion, up for grabs, TdS is the biggest international cycling race in Indonesia that has until now promoted tourist destinations in West Sumatra.

Foreign and domestic cyclists participating in TdS are entertained with local traditional dance performances and culinary delicacies, with the hopes of them returning one day to Indonesia with their families and friends as well as sharing their experiences on social media.

The race will have nine stages and cover 16 districts and municipalities in West Sumatra and two districts in Jambi, spanning 1,324 km.

The first stage will start from Gandoriah Beach, Pariaman Town, and conclude at the Basa Pagaruyung Palace in Batusangkar, stretching 107.3 kilometers.

The last stage will start from the Carocok Beach, Pessel, and conclude at Cimpago Beach, Padang City, West Sumatra, covering 107.7 km.

West Sumatra is optimistic of attracting 58,447 foreign tourists and 8.4 million domestic tourists this year.

The province is promoting 49 major tourist attractions, of which three have been included in the “Calendar of 100 Wonderful Events” managed by the Tourism Ministry.

The three main tourism events are Pasa Harau Art and Cultural Festival, Tour de Singkarak (TdS), and Minangkabau Cultural Festival.

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Translator: Miko Elfsiha, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019