Ministry of Tourism boosts sport-based tourism through the Geopark Run Series

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) continues to strengthen quality tourism programmes, among others through the Geopark Run Series 2026–2027, to boost sport-based tourism appeal.

‘Geopark Run Series presents a concept that integrates running, promotion of Indonesia’s geopark destinations, and empowerment of surrounding communities with a spirit of inclusivity and sustainability. This is a tangible step in strengthening the development of sports tourism in Indonesia,’ said Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.

She stressed that sport tourism or sport-based tourism has now become a key pillar in the quality tourism programme that the government continues to develop.

According to UN Tourism data, she said, sport tourism accounts for about 10 percent of global tourism expenditure.

In 2023 and projected to grow up to 17.5 percent in the 2023–2030 period. The potential is further strengthened by global travel trends. Expedia surveys show that 44 percent of travellers are willing to travel abroad to attend their favourite sports events.

Geopark Run Series 2026–2027 will be held in four flagship geopark areas of Indonesia, namely Geopark Ijen, Minangkabau Geopark, Ciletuh Geopark, and Belitong Geopark. The selection of these locations is expected to reinforce the existence while supporting the sustainability of recognising these areas as UNESCO Global Geoparks.

The events will start with the Ijen Geopark Run on 23 August 2026 in the Ijen Geopark area and Banyuwangi City, East Java; the Minangkabau Geopark Run will be held on 25 October 2026 in the Jam Gadang area, Bukittinggi, West Sumatra.

Then the Ciletuh Geopark Run will take place on 17 January 2027 at Palangpang Beach, Sukabumi, West Java.

Meanwhile the Belitong Geopark Run is scheduled for 18 April 2027 at Tanjung Kalayang Beach, Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands.

Chairperson of the Geopark Run Series, Ihsan Ramadhi Putra, said Geopark Run is not merely a sporting event, but also a sport tourism movement that is healthy, inclusive, and sustainable to revitalise the local economy.

‘Geopark Run is not merely a running event. It is a collective movement to bring people to come, see, feel, and ultimately help revive the local economy,’ he said.

Regarding participant targets, organisers aim for at least 10,000 participants to join the event.