Lombok, Indonesianpost.com – The Communication and Informatics Ministry (Kominfo) stated that the 2023 MotoGP at the Mandalika Pertamina Grand Prix in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, improved the local economy and introduced Indonesian hospitality to the world.
“Tourists enjoyed the MotoGP race and also explored the beauty of nature and unique dishes,” Director of Information and Communication for Economic and Maritime Affairs at the ministry Septriana Tangkary said here on Sunday.
There are seven tourism villages around the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with various cultural attractions, she said.
Tangkary said the MotoGP racers also contributed positively to Lombok’s local economy as they bought the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) products and interacted with the locals.
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The racers also shared their activities on their social media accounts, which helped promote the local tourism, she said.
“Racers, in addition to buying MSME products, also shared their experiences on social media, which became viral,” she added.
Meanwhile, the acting Governor of West Nusa Tenggara Lalu Gita Ariadi hoped that the MotoGP event held at the Mandalika Circuit would further strengthen the region’s position as a sports tourism destination.
“Hopefully, MotoGP could strengthen the province’s position as a sports tourism destination for the next 10 years,” he said.
He said through collaboration and the lessons learned in last year’s MotoGP, the MotoGP this year on October 13-15, could be held successfully.
“The point is that the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government has an interest in the success of MotoGP, because it is not only for today, but an investment for the future,” he said.
The 2023 MotoGP event absorbed approximately 2,400 workers, including GP marshals, medicals, and volunteers.
The international event is expected to have a double effect on the local economy and improve the Gross domestic product (GDP) of the province.