TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said the Bandung Marathon was included in the Sport Tourism category which could increase the country's foreign exchange.

He noted that such event is a source of foreign exchange with income doubled from the ordinary tourism.

"Based on our calculation, the sport tourism has almost double the spending from usual foreign tourism," he stated at Gedung Sate, Bandung, on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

If Indonesia explores more sports tourism, it can help increase the quality of tourists, considering this category of tourists will stay longer, resulting in more tourist spending for the local economy, the minister remarked.

"Usually, foreign tourists spend US$1,500 per visit, but they can spend almost US$3,000 for sport tourism. This is what we are after," Uno disclosed.

From this matter, his party is encouraging the implementation of sport tourism in various regions with different sports types that interest foreign sports enthusiasts.

"Besides running, the event can be held for cycling, open water swimming, triathlon, and automotive sports, as well as several sports activities related to trail running, which are very popular," he continued.

The minister also hopes the Bandung Marathon can be on par with Tokyo and Boston at the World Major Marathon level.

"We can improve the quality. Hopefully, the Bandung Marathon can compete with other World Major Marathon like the Tokyo Marathon, Boston, or New York, because Bandung's weather is very comfortable and it has a long history," he conveyed.

Uno took part in the second day of the Bandung Marathon in the 10K category.

Together with 15 thousands of other participants, he started the Bandung Marathon from Gedung Sate passing several protocol roads in Bandung City such as Supratman Street, Terusan Jakarta Street, Ibrahim Adjie Street, Asia Afrika Street, Riau Street, Diponegoro Street, then finish at Gedung Sate.

ANTARA

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