Tour de Singkarak Relaunched, Promoting Minang Tourism Globally.

West Sumatra is once again preparing the stage for one of Indonesia's most legendary Sport Tourism icons, the Tour de Singkarak. The local government aims to transform this bicycle race across the Minang realm into a tourism experience that unites Sports, culture, and natural landscapes within one grand narrative.

"The West Sumatra Provincial Government is preparing a non-competitive Tour de Singkarak (TdS) to promote the Minang realm's tourism sector on the international stage," said Head of the West Sumatra Tourism Office Lila Yanwar in Padang City.

For West Sumatra, Tour de Singkarak is more than just a bicycle race. Since its first organization by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2009, this event has become a window showcasing the beauty of the Minang realm to the world—from winding roads at the foothills to villages with terraced rice fields.

A new concept is now being prepared. In addition to the main competition, the local government will also present a non-competitive TdS with a more inclusive Sport Tourism approach.

"So, besides the competition, we are also preparing a non-competitive TdS or promoting the sport tourism concept so that West Sumatra's tourism becomes more widely recognized internationally," stated Lila.

Through this concept, tourists won't only come to watch the race but also enjoy the experience of exploring West Sumatra's exotic routes by bicycle while directly engaging with local culinary offerings, culture, and community life.

The TdS implementation will involve the West Sumatra Tourism Office and the Youth and Sports Office. The government hopes this synergy can simultaneously strengthen two sectors: sports and tourism.

Several areas prepared as part of the route include Padang City, Tanah Datar Regency, Padang Panjang City, Bukittinggi City, Pesisir Selatan Regency, Dharmasraya Regency, South Solok Regency, and Agam Regency.

These routes are known for their dramatic panoramas, ranging from misty valleys to roads facing directly towards lakes and hills.

Currently, the government is re-verifying the readiness of these regions, including budget support and road infrastructure.

"One aspect is ensuring the availability of regency/city budgets within the 2027 budget implementation documents for the 2027 TdS execution," he explained.

Regarding infrastructure repair costs, Lila mentioned it is still in the planning stage with the West Sumatra Public Works, Spatial Planning Office, and the central government.

After its last edition in 2019, Tour de Singkarak was planned for a 2020 return but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, that hope is being revived. The West Sumatra Provincial Government intends to make TdS 2027 a momentum to redirect global attention to the Minang realm.

More than just a race, Tour de Singkarak is projected to become a new driving force for tourism, the Creative Economy, and local SMEs.