The MotoGP event scheduled on September 27-29, 2024, at the Mandalika Circuit, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), can benefit village residents in the tourism sector and the local economy.
"The number of MotoGP Mandalika spectators in 2023 was recorded at 102 thousand. They will become marketing agents to promote the beauty of Mandalika's tourism to the world," Iskandar noted in a statement from his office on Thursday.
He made the remark while reviewing the construction and supporting infrastructure of Mandalika Circuit on Wednesday (July 24).
The minister also highlighted that tourists' needs for accommodation, food, transportation, and other services can become business opportunities that directly improve the welfare of these villages.
He expressed optimism that Mandalika would become a reference destination for foreign tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of beaches and villages on Lombok Island.
During his circuit inspection, Iskandar also reviewed facilities in the paddock area of the Mandalika Circuit to see firsthand the preparations of the racing teams that would compete on the international circuit while receiving direct updates from the management.
He also rode the safety car around the Mandalika Circuit to get a feel of circling the 4.3-kilometer-long racing track.
Earlier, the Central Lombok Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) had set the target for Regional Original Income (PAD) from taxes for organizing the 2024 Indonesian MotoGP at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit at Rp7 billion (US$418 thousand).
"The Rp7 billion target comes from MotoGP ticket sales," Head of the Central Lombok Bapenda, Baiq Aluh Windayu, stated.
Windayu noted that this target had indeed decreased as compared to the previous year due to the entertainment tax, which is currently set at 10 percent according to regulations.
"Last year, the tax was 30 percent, and it reduced to 10 percent this year," she explained.
Related news: Mandalika circuit gets special customs status for MotoGP logistics
Related news: MotoGP Indonesia promotes Mandalika as sports destination: Thohir
Related news: Lombok Airport handles 49,000 passengers during MotoGP
Translator: Tri Meilani A, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
