From international marathons and cycling races to surfing competitions, badminton championships and trail-running events, sports tourism is becoming an increasingly important pillar of Indonesia’s broader tourism strategy. With strong government support and growing international interest, the sector is helping to attract new visitors while showcasing destinations far beyond the country’s traditional tourism hotspots.
One of the latest initiatives driving this momentum is the newly launched Geopark Run Series 2026–2027, a nationwide programme designed to combine endurance sports with sustainable destination promotion. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, the series will take place across four of Indonesia’s UNESCO Global Geoparks: Ijen, in East Java; Minang, in West Sumatra; Ciletuh, in West Java; and Belitong, in the Bangka Belitung Islands.
Rather than focusing solely on competition, the Geopark Run Series aims to connect sport, nature, culture and community-based tourism. Participants will run through volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery and culturally significant heritage areas while engaging with local communities and businesses along the way. The initiative reflects a growing global trend in experiential travel, where visitors increasingly seek active and meaningful experiences connected to local destinations.
Government data referencing global tourism trends shows that sports tourism currently accounts for around 10 percent of worldwide tourism spending, with continued rapid growth expected over the coming decade. Sports travellers are also known to spend more and stay longer than average leisure tourists, generating benefits across accommodation, transport, food, retail and local creative industries. In response to these growing trends, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has identified sports tourism as a strategic area of growth, due to its strong economic impact and ability to attract high-spending travellers.
Indonesia already possesses many of the ingredients needed to become a major global sports tourism hub. The country’s diverse geography provides ideal settings for a wide range of outdoor and adventure events, from mountain ultramarathons and cycling races to open-water swimming, diving and surfing competitions. Established events such as the Jakarta Marathon, Tour de Singkarak, Bali Marathon and international surfing competitions in destinations like Bali and Lombok have helped build Indonesia’s reputation among global sporting communities. Meanwhile, world-class badminton tournaments such as the Indonesia Open continue to attract elite international athletes and passionate spectators to Jakarta each year.
Importantly, sports tourism is also helping to promote lesser-known destinations across the archipelago. By hosting events in areas such as Banyuwangi, Belitung and Ciletuh, Indonesia is encouraging travellers to explore regions that may otherwise remain outside mainstream tourism routes. Local governments and organisers hope these events will not only increase visitor numbers, but also support small businesses, strengthen local economies and create more sustainable tourism opportunities for communities.
As global demand for active, wellness and experiential travel continues to grow, Indonesia appears well positioned to capitalise on the trend. By combining sport with culture, nature and sustainability, the country is creating tourism experiences that appeal not only to athletes, but also to travellers seeking deeper and more engaging ways to explore the archipelago.
