Indonesian Sports Tourism: From Mandalika to Lake Toba, Sports as New Tourist Attractions
Source: Kemenpar
Travel Tourism is no longer solely about exploring beaches or visiting cultural sites. Globally, tourism experiences increasingly revolve around sports venues—from racetracks to nature-traversing running trails. In Indonesia, this trend accelerates through sports tourism concepts.
By late 2025, this initiative gained momentum through a memorandum of understanding signed by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Youth and Sports to develop national sports Tourism Potential.
This move signifies a new strategy integrating sports, tourism, and Creative Economy into Indonesian Tourism Destinations development.
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What Is Sports Tourism?
UN Tourism defines sports tourism as travel activities where individuals journey to participate in or spectate sporting events.
This concept grows rapidly worldwide. In 2023, sports tourism contributed approximately 10% of global tourism spending.
Projections indicate growth to 17.5% between 2023–2030.
Expedia's survey reveals 44% of tourists would travel abroad for sports events, spending an average of $1,500 USD per visit.
Indonesia's Sports Tourism Potential
Indonesia holds significant potential to leverage this trend. Evolving sports facilities and shifting public lifestyles are key drivers.
A 2025 Nielsen survey shows 86% of Indonesians proactively maintain health—far above the 70% global average.
This synergy creates vast markets for running, triathlons, cycling, yoga, and wellness festivals.
Mandalika: Indonesia's Sports Tourism Icon
Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara dominates Indonesia's sports tourism discussions.
This Priority Tourism Destination gained global recognition hosting MotoGP at Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit.
Tourism sectors—especially accommodations—felt immediate impact. Indonesia Tourism Outlook reports star-rated hotel occupancy rose from 33.51% (2021) to 40.39% (2024), while non-star hotels jumped from 14.61% to 28.16%.
The event also boosted investments and employment. National Special Economic Zone Council data shows Mandalika SEZ targeted Rp4,430 trillion investment by 2025. Workforce numbers grew from 428,952 (2022) to 430,437 (2023), reducing Central Lombok's poverty rate from 13.44% (2020) to 12.07% (2024).
Running on a MotoGP Circuit
Beyond world-class motorcycle racing, Mandalika hosts diverse sports events. The inaugural Pocari Sweat Run Mandalika on September 14, 2025, offered runners the unique experience of racing on the MotoGP circuit.
Participants chose categories from 4.3km circuit loops to 10km, half-marathon, and full marathon distances. Approximately 70% came from outside Lombok, generating Rp85.5 billion in economic impact. The event returns July 11–12, 2026.
Lake Toba and World Water Racing
Sports tourism thrives at North Sumatra's Lake Toba with two simultaneous 2025 international events: F1 Powerboat Lake Toba (featuring 24 racers) and Aquabike Jetski World Championship (53 international riders).
These free public events coincided with Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations, reinforcing Lake Toba's global destination branding through spectacular showcases.
Marathon in Jakarta's Heart
In the capital, sports offer tourists alternative city perspectives. The BTN Jakarta International Marathon (JAKIM) became Indonesia's largest running event with over 30,000 participants. Officially certified as a World Athletics Label Road Race, its route starts at the iconic National Monument and finishes at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, letting runners traverse Jakarta's diverse landscapes.
Paragliding World Cup
Central Lombok's skies hosted global sports tourism during the Paragliding Accuracy World Cup 2025 (May 22–25) at Sky Lancing Lombok Paragliding. With 47 athletes from eight countries focusing on precision landings, the event strengthened Lombok's sports Tourism Ecosystem.
Outdoor Adventures
Indonesia's sports tourism expands into natural landscapes through trail running events. From mountains to tropical forest paths, races like Rinjani100, Merbabu Skyrace, Kerinci100, and Dieng Caldera Race offer challenging experiences merging Extreme Sports with spectacular scenery—a combination increasingly sought by adventure tourists.
Future of Indonesian Sports Tourism
With abundant nature, sports infrastructure, and growing public interest in healthy lifestyles, Indonesia holds immense potential to become a world-class sports tourism destination. From Mandalika's racetracks to mountain running trails, sports now transcend competition—becoming a new way to explore places.
