Geotourism Festival 2026 Draws Thousands, Boosts Samosir Economy
The Geotourism Festival 2026 has become a momentum to strengthen collaboration between the North Sumatra Provincial Government and the Samosir Regency Government in developing sustainable tourism based on the geopark, whilst providing a positive impact on MSMEs, hotels, homestays, and the local economy in Samosir Regency.
Samosir Deputy Regent Ariston Tua Sidauruk expressed his appreciation to the North Sumatra Provincial Government for the trust placed in Samosir Regency to host the Geotourism Festival 2026. He stated that holding international-level festivals and conferences in the Lake Toba area is a strategic step to strengthen geotourism promotion, build collaboration among stakeholders, and introduce the natural and cultural wealth of Lake Toba to the world.
‘Thank you for the presence of all guests and participants who have come from various regions. Thank you also to the Governor of North Sumatra who continues to support the development of Lake Toba tourism. Through this activity, hotels, homestays, and MSMEs, and the community’s economy are moving. Let us enjoy the beauty of Samosir, the Beautiful Land of a Piece of Heaven,’ said Ariston in a statement received on Friday. He emphasised that services must be provided wholeheartedly without taking advantage of the situation. ‘I hope no one raises prices unilaterally; we serve guests with standard prices,’ he urged.
Beyond serving as a tourism promotion event, the Geotourism Festival 2026 also featured friendly and humanist services from all MSMEs to visitors. The Samosir Regency Government, together with all supporting elements, ensured that tourists felt safe, comfortable, and received the best service throughout the series of activities. The festival was further enlivened by local Samosir cultural performances, North Sumatra multi-ethnic dances, and entertainment from the Siantar Rap Foundation which captivated thousands of visitors.
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism expressed its appreciation to the North Sumatra Provincial Government, the management of the Toba Caldera UNESCO Global Geopark, and the Samosir Regency Government for their collaboration in organising the festival. The synergy of all stakeholders, both at the national and international levels, is a tangible manifestation of a shared commitment to supporting sustainable geopark-based tourism management and enhancing the competitiveness of the Lake Toba destination.