RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is positioning the GT World Challenge Asia 2026 not just as a motorsport event, but as a catalyst to elevate Mandalika’s profile as a global tourism and investment destination.

InJourney Commercial Director Veronica Sesilia hopes the GT World Challenge Asia 2026 will boost tourism in Mandalika.

For the second time, Indonesia will host the event at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Mandalika, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, from May 1-3, 2026.

“International sports events like this are continuously promoted in Mandalika as a sport and entertainment tourist destination,” Veronica said during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday, April 6, as quoted by Antara.

Echoing the view, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat said the event could help drive both tourism and the local economy. “Beyond tourism, we hope there will be economic prospects as well,” Deputy Minister Taufik said.

Acting President Director of ITDC Ahmad Fajar added that the event is also aimed at attracting investors to Mandalika. “Our goal is to help encourage investment in Mandalika going forward,” Fajar said.

He noted that the event will also feature “gentleman drivers”, non-professional racers with diverse business backgrounds, potentially opening networking and investment opportunities.

A total of 23 race cars and 46 drivers from 17 countries will take part in the event. ***