Sports tourism potential to be developed in Bali

Nusa Dua: The Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said that sports events held the potential to enliven tourism development in Bali.

“Sports events, like Kompas Bali Bike, will bring additional economic value to a region that is developing its tourist industry,” she said prior to the start of Kompas Bali Bike 2012 from Hotel Santika Siligita Nusa Dua in Badung regency on Friday.

Mari added that when hosting such a biking event, usually the administration would pay attention to perfecting the road infrastructure along the race route, thus benefiting the neighborhood, hotels and restaurants along the area.

Kompas Bali Bike has 114 local and foreign bicyclists participating. The opening ceremony was attended by a number of high-profile officials: PT Pertamina Gas director Hari Karyuliarto, Udayana Military Command chief Maj. Gen. TNI Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, Bali Police deputy chief Brig. Gen. I Ketut Untung Yoga Ana, Bali Province assistant secretary I Wayan Suasta, Badung regency secretary Kompyang Swandika, head of Denpasar Police Comr. Sr. I Wayan Sunartha, and Kompas deputy chief editor Budiman Tanuredjo.

Budiman said that Kompas Bali Bike would continue with another race from Bali to Komodo Island by bike. Five of the best participants in the Kompas Bali Bike would be chosen to join the 900-kilometer bike adventure from Bali to Komodo Island.

Mari and the rest of the public officials from the administration, the police and army joined the bike ride, alongside all the participants, as far as the Tuban area in Badung regency.

On the first day of Kompas Bali Bike, the route passes Ubud and finishes in Karangasem regency. The first stage of the race saw the withdrawal of one participant due to an ankle sprain.