Indonesia Promotes Sports Tourism via Geopark Run Series

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The global trend in sports tourism holds great potential for Indonesia’s tourism sector. An Expedia survey found that 44 percent of travelers are willing to go abroad to attend their favorite sporting events.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said this phenomenon presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen sports tourism in Indonesia. One such initiative is the Geopark Run Series, which combines running with promoting tourist destinations.

“The Geopark Run Series presents a concept that integrates running, the promotion of Indonesia’s geopark destinations, and the empowerment of local communities with a spirit of inclusivity and sustainability,” Minister Widiyanti said during the Press Conference & Launching of the Geopark Run Series in Jakarta on Friday, May 22, 2026.

She emphasized that sports tourism has become a key pillar of the government’s efforts to develop high‑quality tourism programs. In addition to strong tourist interest, sports tourists, known as high spenders, are seen as having a significant economic impact.

Their average spending reaches USD 1,500 or approximately IDR 24 million per visit. According to Minister Widiyanti, sports tourism can extend the length of stay and drive the local economy through the accommodation, transportation, and culinary sectors, as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Bukittinggi Deputy Mayor Ibnu Asis noted that the Minang Geopark Run has been successfully held seven times since 2018, highlighting local icons such as Jam Gadang and Ngarai Sianok. He said the event has boosted hotel occupancy rates while benefiting the culinary, tourism, and creative SME sectors.

To capitalize on these opportunities, the Geopark Run Series 2026–2027 will be staged in four flagship geoparks: Ijen, Minang, Ciletuh, and Belitong. Importantly, the routes will pass through UNESCO-designated Global Geoparks, further strengthening their international recognition. (Gusti Panji)