Thirteen Countries to Join Windsurfing Competition in Banyuwangi

TEMPO.CO, Banyuwangi - As many as 13 countries will be joining a windsurfing competition on Tabuan Island, Banyuwangi, East Java, on August 26-27.

The prestigious event will feature 50 professional kite and windsurfers from 13 countries namely the Netherlands, Thailand, Malaysia, Austria, Italia, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, the United States, the UK, Switzerland, France, and host Indonesia, Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas said today.

The International Kite and Windsurfing Competition will be held on the exotic, uninhabited Tabuhan Island which is located east of Banyuwangi.

Anas said that sports tourism would help promote the region. “Sports tourism is effective to boost tourism. We will have two advantages. First, the visit of athletes and tourists who are fans of sports tourism, in this case, water sports. Second, promotion for the destination, i.e. Tabuhan Island,” Anas said.

Tabuhan Island is a small island boasting white sand and beautiful coral reefs. It takes 20 minutes to reach the island using a motor boat. The island is known for its suitable wind speed for kite and windsurfing. Moreover, tourists often visit the island for snorkeling and diving.

“If Tabuhan Island becomes a world class windsurfing destination, [local] economy will be boosted because the market of windsurfing continues to grow rapidly. People can also have productive economic activities, such as souvenir production, culinary, travel services, and other supporting services,” he said.

Banyuwangi Youth and Sports Office head Wawan Yadmadi said that it will be the second edition of the International Kite and Windsurfing Competition in the district. The event will feature the categories of racing (marathon), trapezoid, speed trial, and freestyle and big jump exhibition.

ANTARA