Indonesia Prepares Strategy to Boost Sports Tourism

The Indonesian government is strengthening its strategy to develop a quality tourism sector, including sports tourism. This initiative is being implemented through the Geopark Run Series 2026-2027, a national running event to be held across four premier Indonesian geoparks. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that sports tourism is a promising sector capable of boosting regional economies and introducing Indonesian destinations to the global market. The Geopark Run Series concept not only features running competitions but also integrates geopark promotion, environmental conservation, and inclusive, sustainable community empowerment. Data from UN Tourism, cited by the Ministry of Tourism, shows sports tourism accounts for approximately 10% of global tourism expenditure. This trend is reinforced by an Expedia survey indicating 44% of global travellers are willing to travel abroad to attend their favourite sporting events. Moreover, sports tourists are known for high spending levels, with visitors attending or watching events spending an average of $1,500 per trip. This has led the government to view sports tourism as a significant opportunity to boost national tourism revenue. The Geopark Run Series 2026-2027 will take place across four UNESCO-recognised Global Geoparks in Indonesia: Ijen in Banyuwangi, Minang in Bukittinggi, Ciletuh in Sukabumi, and Belitong in the Bangka Belitung Islands. The Ciletuh Geopark Run is scheduled for 17 January 2027 at Palangpang Beach in Sukabumi, West Java, with the final series event, the Belitong Geopark Run, set for 18 April 2027 at Tanjung Kelayang Beach in Belitong. Geopark Run Series committee chair Ihsan Ramadhi Putra explained the event is designed as more than a standard sports competition. He added that the initiative is a healthy, sustainable sports tourism movement aimed at stimulating local economies around the destinations, targeting at least 10,000 participants and tourists from across Indonesia and abroad. The government hopes such events will strengthen Indonesia’s image as a global sports tourism destination. Beyond increasing tourist numbers, the initiative is expected to create new business opportunities in accommodation, transport, cuisine, and local creative economies.