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Batam hosts Nongsa Challenge 2017
A total of 115 participants from 18 countries and 16 local cyclists took part in this event, with Alexander Donger from Singapore crowned as the winner in men’s elite Nongsa challenge 2017 category.
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Illustration of a cycling race. (Shutterstock/File)
N
ongsa Challenge 2017 was successfully held in Batam on August 2017. The event was a collaborative effort between Cycosports, Turi Beach Resort and was supported by Batam Tourism and Culture Department and the Tourism Ministry.
A total of 115 participants from 18 countries and 16 local cyclists took part in this event, with Alexander Donger from Singapore crowned as the winner in men’s elite Nongsa challenge 2017 category.
“We chose Nongsa because it has a natural beauty, complete facilities and proper infrastructure for a race. With sufficient facilities, of course it can welcome both tourists and participants in a large number,” said Kent McCallum of Cycosports Singapore.
Nongsa is a district in Batam, Riau Islands known for its beautiful beaches such as Nongsa, Maimun, Tanjung Bemban and Sekilak. The destination Nongsa also houses several resorts and international golf courses.
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“There are five stars [hotels] and Nongsa port. It only takes 30 minutes to travel here from Singapore and Malaysia by sea,” said Batam tourism department head, Febrialin.
Tourism minister Arief Yahya congratulated the sports tourism event, noting that the increase in tourism in Riau Islands is related to events such as Nongsa Challenge.
Batam's close in proximity to Singapore and Malaysia makes it have a huge potential to attract international tourists. In Singapore alone, there are 3.5 million Singaporeans, 1.5 million expats and 15.5 million international tourists arriving every year.
“Both Batam and Singapore are culturally close as well. We are within the same Melayu cluster,” said Arief. (asw)
