The circuit will host the World Superbike series on November 12-14, 2021, and MotoGP on February 11-13, 2022.
Harinto highlighted that his side was working incessantly to make preparations for the circuit to welcome the prestigious motorcycle racing event. Facilities and infrastructure are still being prepared to support the event, including the construction of a five-star hotel.
"Later, along with the MotoGP, it will definitely help to develop (tourism around Mandalika)," he emphasized.
Sporting events will have a positive impact on tourism development in the area around Mandalika, including Bali.
"This has tremendous impacts on the tourism industry," Harinto stated.
Harinto cited as an example the Buriram Circuit, Thailand, located 400 kilometers from Bangkok, which can attract motorcycle enthusiasts as tourists to visit the region.
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Harinto is optimistic that the Mandalika Circuit would also attract more tourists. Although the construction of accommodations, especially hotels, in Mandalika is far from complete, he is upbeat that this motorcycle racing event would continue to attract enthusiasts.
"They could travel to Mandalika. Lodging is not a big issue. They can camp or choose a homestay to live in, while the rest are watching the race or exploring the Mandalika area," Harinto informed.
The Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) expects the government to immediately issue regulations on the permit for spectators to attend the World Superbike and MotoGP events at the Mandalika Circuit, West Nusa Tenggara.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing forms of tourism. In Indonesia, this form of tourism grows six percent annually, with a value of US$600 billion, or contributes 25 percent of the total revenue of the national travel and tourism industry, based on data from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.
Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno has encouraged Indonesian youth to develop sports tourism activities based on local wisdom, so that not only the destination but also the local culture will help to drive the economy and create more job opportunities.
Last July, Uno remarked that sports tourism is a new tourism trend that has a fairly large market. In Indonesia, growth could reach nearly Rp18.790 trillion until 2024.
The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in altering tourism trends wherein tourists are more keen on undertaking small-scale tours for conducting outdoor activities, driven by increased tourist awareness of health, cleanliness, safety, and environmental sustainability. (
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Translator: Nanien Y, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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