Sport Tourism In Bali, Open Water Swimming Championship Successfully Raises Tourism On The Island Of The Gods

Followed By 300 Participants, Indonesia Wins Gold Medal At The 2nd Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming (SEA OWS) Championships 2024 (doc. Kemenparekraf) Competition

JAKARTA - The island of Bali has further confirmed itself as a leading destination for sport tourism with the holding of 2nd Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships and the Open Water Swimming (OWS) Indonesia Festival.

The event took place at Jimbaran Beach Hotel Intercontinental on June 28-30, 2024, by presenting a prestigious competition, which not only spurred the spirit of sports but also had a significant impact on the tourism sector.

The championship was attended by more than 300 participants from various Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Participants competed in challenging categories such as 10 km, 5 km, and mixed relay number 4x1.5 km, while the OWS Festival presented shorter distances ranging from 500 meters to 3 kilometers, reaching participants from various levels of capability. The location of the competition on Jimbaran Beach which is iconic is increasing the appeal of this event.

The Secretary General of Aquatic Indonesia, Ali Pratiwi, expressed his pride for the success of organizing the event as well as his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the participants.

"Our target in terms of achievement has been achieved. We can take medals for seniors, men and women, then at the relay we can also get a gold medal," said Ali Patiwiri in his statement.

He revealed the plan to make the OWS Festival an annual routine agenda, given the high interest of both athletes and the general public to become a tourist attraction in Bali.

According to him, this championship is not only a place for sports achievements but also a medium for tourism promotion, inviting more tourists to enjoy the beauty of Bali.

The success of the sport tourism agenda is not only a national pride, but also further strengthens Bali's position as a leading destination for international standard water sports.

This event also had a positive impact on the local economy. The presence of hundreds of athletes and support teams and tourists provides encouragement for the hotel, culinary, and transportation sectors around Jimbaran Beach.

The atmosphere of the competition combined with the beauty of the beach is a special attraction for visitors, who also enjoy the charm of Balinese culture as long as they are on this island.

Through this championship, Bali has not only succeeded in making sports achievements but also strengthens its image as a world-class sports tourism destination.

"The combination of natural beauty, adequate facilities, and local community hospitality creates an unforgettable experience for participants and visitors. In the future, events like this are expected to continue to be held consistently, raising Bali tourism to a higher level on the international stage," said Ali.