The recently-concluded MotoGP pre-season test at Mandalika circuit, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara will bolster the national tourism industry, a tourism expert from Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Central Java, has opined.
“The pre-season test that was conducted on February 11–13 was a great opportunity to promote our tourism,” Chusmeru said in Purwokerto, Central Java, on Monday.
The beauty of Mandalika and Lombok Island was highlighted by MotoGP racers who shared pictures and videos during their visit on their social media accounts, he added.
“The social media accounts of the racers indeed have many followers from various countries who will be exposed to the charm of Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara, and Indonesia,” the expert remarked.
He expressed confidence that there will be a tourism surge in Lombok Island and surrounding areas during and after the MotoGP race next month, particularly since the tickets have been sold out.
“Besides the Mandalika and West Nusa Tenggara regions, Bali Island and Labuan Bajo will also be advantaged by the tourism surge. We hope that after the conclusion of the MotoGP race, the racers and their crews, as well as spectators, will spend time in Bali, Labuan Bajo, and other regions of Indonesia,” Chusmeru said.
Indonesia must try to muster more benefits from the MotoGP championship, which, as a prestigious international competition, always attracts global viewers from various countries, he added.
“Some countries have even competed to be able to host the race. If we become a good host, then the MotoGP will be a sports tourism attraction that will attract domestic and international tourists,” he noted.
The international championship will also benefit local tourism actors, including hoteliers, restaurateurs, and owners of handicraft businesses, he added.
“The success of Mandalika MotoGP would inspire other regions to develop their own sports tourism with international-level quality, yet they must not neglect cleanliness, health, and safety for competition participants and spectators,” the expert said.
The expert warned that sports tourism would not flourish if cleanliness, health, and safety factors are neglected.
Source: Antara News