Pontianak, W Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno encouraged regional government in West Kalimantan Province to forge tight cooperation in tapping into the potential of sport tourism events of their respective regions.
"I make this encouragement in the hopes of West Kalimantan gaining multifaceted benefits from, both tourism and sport sectors, as they are believed to be highly instrumental for boosting the economy and elevating the people's living standards," he remarked in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Sunday.
He then cited the Pontianak City Run event, in which he participated on the same day, as an example of a sport tourism event that can bring about positive impacts to the people.
"As we can see, the people of Pontianak welcomed the Pontianak City Run very enthusiastically today. A majority of people came to take part in this race," he said.
Uno noted that he views the Pontianak City Run as more than merely a sporting event, saying that the competition can be seen as an effort to develop and promote sport-based tourism activities.
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By participating in such an activity, he added, people can have the opportunity to exercise while making a contribution to the growth of the local economy.
The minister also commended those who run micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for their role in enlivening the event and stimulating economic growth.
He then emphasized the importance of collaboration among regional governments, tourism industry players, and sport actors to optimize the potential of sport tourism activities in West Kalimantan Province.
"Solid synergy among parties is expected to help West Kalimantan manage its tourism and creative economy potentials in an effective manner, which in turn will support regional development and boost the welfare of the people," he concluded.
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Translator: Rendra O, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
