Wellness and Sport Tourism Potential to be Developed in Gunungkidul
The Department of Tourism, Creative Economy, Youth, and Sports (Disparekrafpora) of Gunungkidul Regency believes there is great potential to develop wellness and sport tourism sectors based on nature, given the abundance of natural destinations in the area. “The natural potential of Gunungkidul is very conducive to the development of wellness tourism,” said the Secretary of Disparekrafpora Gunungkidul, Eko Nur Cahyo, in Yogyakarta on Sunday.
According to Eko, several natural tourist destinations in Gunungkidul have already introduced wellness and sport tourism packages, such as in the Bunder Great Forest Park (Tahura Bunder) and Wunung Giri Sela Kandha in Wonosari. While development is not yet optimal, certain sport tourism packages are already operational, such as the Running Baron 10k held at Baron Beach. He added that areas like Nglanggeran and around Goa Pindul also hold significant potential for sport tourism events.
The Gunungkidul Regency Government is currently encouraging tourism partners to organise sporting events at various natural destinations as part of an effort to expand both sport and wellness tourism. One such nature-based health tourism destination currently operating is the Bunder Great Forest Park (Tahura Bunder).
The Head of Tahura Bunder, Alex Zubaedi, noted that nature tourism is increasingly popular, particularly among domestic tourists, especially in Tahura Bunder, which possesses a complete and unique ecosystem. “From stunning karst river landscapes to serene eucalyptus forests,” said Alex. The area offers various nature-based activities, including trekking, camping, birdwatching, and conservation education, allowing tourists to experience ‘healing’ amidst Gunungkidul’s lush tropical forests.
Several communities have already organised nature-based activities in the area. At the end of May, Genitri Eco Wellness (PT Genitri Bregas Persada) conducted a wellness tourism programme there. M. Taqiyuddin, the manager of Genitri Eco Wellness, added that the goal of introducing natural wellness eco-tourism involving various communities is to foster collaborative tourism promotion. “It is designed to be a space for people seeking tranquility while restoring physical and mental health through a natural approach,” Taqiyuddin explained.
The concept integrates holistic healing with the natural beauty of Tahura Bunder. Visitors do not only receive entertainment but also return in better physical health and with clearer minds. The wellness tourism concept also encourages tourists to care for environmental preservation through tree-planting activities. Furthermore, tourists can participate in educational classes from Hijaunesia regarding independent food security and a healthy lifestyle based on natural ingredients, inviting visitors to truly escape the hustle and bustle of the city and daily stresses.