Denpasar develops sport tourism to strengthen its tourism appeal
The Denpasar City Government continues to promote sport-based tourism, or sport tourism, as one of its efforts to strengthen the city’s tourist appeal whilst also driving the local economy.
Deputy Mayor of Denpasar I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa said in Denpasar on Tuesday that developing sport tourism is one of the potentials that can be cultivated, as various sporting activities in the city have been able to attract participation from residents as well as domestic and foreign tourists.
“Going forward, we will certainly continue to present and develop sporting events that are not only focused on achievement, but can also become tourist attractions,” said Arya Wibawa.
According to him, the development of sport tourism in Denpasar is expected not only to benefit the sports sector, but also to open up opportunities for promoting tourist destinations, MSMEs, the creative economy, and to provide direct benefits to the community.
“We hope this sport tourism can open up broader opportunities for destination promotion, MSMEs, the creative economy, and provide direct benefits to the community,” he said.
Arya Wibawa said the development of sport tourism must be carried out sustainably while taking into account the character, culture, environment, and comfort of Denpasar’s residents.
He emphasised that sporting activities developed as part of tourism should not be one-off events, but should grow to become part of the tourism ecosystem in Denpasar.
“We do not want sport tourism to be merely a one-off event. The hope is that sporting activities can become part of a sustainable tourism ecosystem,” he said.
The push to develop sport tourism also received recognition through the Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Leadership in Advancing Sport Tourism in Bali 2026, presented to Arya Wibawa at the 11th Bali Tourism Award 2026 at The Meru, Sanur.
Arya Wibawa said the award serves as motivation to continue promoting sport-based tourism in Denpasar.
“This award is certainly a source of personal pride, but more importantly, it is recognition of the joint work of the entire Denpasar City Government, the community, sports groups, tourism players, and all parties who have supported the development of sport tourism in Denpasar,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office I Wayan Sumarajaya said that tourism in Bali is not only related to the economy, but is also part of community life passed down through generations.
He noted that the number of tourist visits to Bali up to August 2026 reached around 4.6 million visits, still showing growth compared with the same period in 2025.
“As of August 2026, tourist visits to Bali stood at 4.6 million, which is stable and growing compared with 2025. Our shared task is how to deliver quality tourism that benefits the community,” he said.
Sumarajaya said that service quality and the visitor experience are important factors in maintaining the sustainability of Balinese tourism.
According to him, hospitality is not only about accommodation facilities, but also about how tourists feel comfortable and have a good experience during their visit.
He therefore invited all stakeholders to collaborate in building Balinese tourism of international quality whilst preserving the customs, culture, and traditions of local communities.