Firman Abu Nasir, Deputy Director of National and International Events, said on Sunday that the ministry is encouraging sports tourism events to attract more tourists.
Such efforts can boost tourism activity and stimulate the economy, he added.
In support of the Togean Half Marathon, held in the Tojo Una-Una district, the ministry provided assistance in the form of promotional efforts and support for facilities and infrastructure, Nasir said.
Meanwhile, the head of the Tojo Una-Una Tourism Office, Muhammad Arsyad, noted that the event positively impacts the local economy, with hotel and lodging occupancy rates increasing.
"This event has a positive impact because the runners participating in the Togean Half Marathon also bring their families. The number of visitors has reached 5,000 people," he pointed out.
Reflecting on this success, he mentioned that the ministry plans to schedule the Togean Half Marathon as a biennial event in Tojo Una-Una.
Arsyad explained that participants run while enjoying the natural beauty of Tojo Una-Una and get to learn more about the region’s tourist destinations.
A total of 1,500 participants took part in the 2024 Togean Half Marathon on Sunday, competing in three categories: 5K, 10K, and 21K.
Participants came not only from Tojo Una-Una and other districts in Central Sulawesi but also from Medan, Gorontalo, Makassar, Mamuju, Kendari, Jakarta, and Bandung.
In 2024, Central Sulawesi is targeting 9.7 million domestic tourist visits, with 5.7 million already recorded by July.
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Translator: Nur Amalia A, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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