RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Tourism supports the implementation of the "Geopark Run Series 2026–2027" as part of strengthening quality tourism programs, which are expected to increase the attractiveness of Indonesian geoparks while simultaneously driving regional economic growth.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana expressed her appreciation for Gamatera and Beyond Run as the initiators of this activity, which they said could strengthen the development of special-interest tourism in Indonesia through cross-sector collaboration.

"The Geopark Run Series presents a concept that integrates running, promotion of Indonesian geopark destinations, and empowerment of local communities with a spirit of inclusivity and sustainability. This is a concrete step in strengthening the development of sports tourism in Indonesia," said Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana at the Press Conference & Launch of the Geopark Run Series in Jakarta, Friday, 22 May 2026).

The Minister of Tourism emphasized that sports tourism is now a crucial pillar of the government's ongoing development of quality tourism programs.

According to UN Tourism data, sports tourism contributed approximately 10 percent of total global tourism spending in 2023 and is projected to grow to 17.5 percent between 2023 and 2030.

This potential is further bolstered by global tourism trends. An Expedia survey showed that 44 percent of tourists are willing to travel abroad to attend their favorite sporting events.

Sports tourists are also considered high spenders, with an average expenditure of US$1,500 (approximately Rp24 million) per visit.

For the 2026–2027 edition, the Geopark Run Series will be held in four leading Indonesian geoparks: Ijen, Minang, Ciletuh, and Belitong.

These locations are expected to strengthen the region's presence and support its continued recognition as UNESCO Global Geoparks.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Friday, 22 May 2026, Registration and schedule information can be found on the website https://geoparkrun.com/ and on Instagram @geoparkrunseries.

The series of events will begin with the Ijen Geopark Run on 23 August 2026, in the Ijen Geopark area and Banyuwangi City, East Java.

The Minangkabau Geopark Run will then be held on 25 October 2026, in the Jam Gadang area, Bukittinggi, West Sumatra.

The Ciletuh Geopark Run will take place on 17 January 2027, at Palangpang Beach, Sukabumi, West Java.

The Belitong Geopark Run is scheduled for 18 April 2027, at Tanjung Kalayang Beach, Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands. The organizers are targeting participation of up to 10,000 participants.