(2/3/2013)
Sapta Nirwandar, Deputy Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, says the Indonesian government is working to promote Indonesia as an international sports destination.
As reported by Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post), Nirwandar’s comments were made a dinner hosted in Bali on January 31, 2013, to welcome Firehiwot Dado Tufa, the Ethiopian who won the 2011 New York City Marathon.
Said Nirwandar, “The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry is now putting as its top priority the expansion of promotional activities at international tourism events, especially introducing Indonesia as potential sports destination.”
The deputy-minister sees Indonesia as a natural host for marine-based sports, marathons, triathlons and cycling events. To this end, Indonesia organizes successful international-scale sporting events that include world sailing and surfing competitions and a 10K Marathon.
The annual Jakarta Marathon, the Bali Marathon held in 2012 and the BIZNET Bali International Triathlon underline Indonesia’s suitability for international sporting events.
“The visit of Tufa to several places in Indonesia is part of the government’s efforts to open the eyes of an international athlete to the country’s potential,” Nirwandar said.
Nirwandar explained international-scale sports events are affordable ways of stimulating international travel to Indonesia.
“It costs us around Rp 1.5 billion [US$150,000] to Rp 2 billion to hold a sport event. The impact will be huge, as international media will cover the event. It will become an extensive and effective promotion for Indonesia,” he said.
Related Links
[BIZNET Bali International Triathlon]
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