The Mandalika MotoGP Event Becomes Featured In The NTB 2021 Tourism Calendar

ILLUSTRATION / Marc Marquez (Photo via ANTARA)

MATARAM - The implementation of the most prestigious motorcycle racing in the world, MotoGP at the Mandalika circuit is the flagship program in the tourism calendar of West Nusa Tenggara province in 2021.

NTB Provincial Secretary Lalu Gita Ariadi said the preparation of facilities and infrastructure for the MotoGP event in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) in Central Lombok Regency was continuing.

"The calendar of tourism events in 2021 can be used as a reference for activities for potential tourists as a promotional effort," said Gita at the launch of the NTB 2021 tourism event calendar and business gatherings of tourism actors in Mataram, quoted by Antara, Thursday, December 10.

According to him, in welcoming the Mandalika MotoGP event, apart from ensuring security and public order conditions in a conducive situation, another thing that is no less important is about controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Socialization, site preparation and application of the CHSE certificate will influence the interest of tourists to come to MotoGP and travel in NTB.

"The Mandalika MotoGP is the flagship of NTB tourism along with other activities from the 12 calendar of tourism activities for 2021," said Gita.

Gita said information about cultural staging schedules and cultural attractions could have a significant impact on increasing the length of stay and the number of tourist visits. This will contribute to NTB and the state's income which ultimately improves the welfare of the community.

"Business gathering is also part of the government's program to control COVID-19. How to revive the people's economy through tourism by starting to open tourist attractions but it is also full of breakthroughs amid the difficulty of people traveling," said Gita.

He said that currently the districts of Central Lombok and West Lombok are still in the low risk zone (yellow zone) for COVID-19. The hope is that it will be green before the MotoGP event so that there is no longer anything to limit the movement of people.

Deputy for Regional Marketing 1 of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Taufik Hidayat, said tourism was the most affected by COVID-19 because there was no movement of people.

Seeing the various things done by the NTB Provincial Government to try to generate tourism, his party gave an appreciation and at the same time left a message for the road to MotoGP promotion event to be held until the event was held, as well as the empowerment of local SMEs included in various tour packages.

The ministry is also working with several major travel agents such as Traveloka and Blibli, which are ready to help with online marketing in 22 countries.

"The ministry has not conducted direct promotions to other countries regarding the MotoGP event because the borders are still closed. We will maximize it first with online promotions with companies that have a global network, because this is a priority," explained Taufik.

Head of the NTB Tourism Office, Lalu Moh Faozal, emphasized that the MotoGP at the Mandalika circuit will certainly be held according to the MotoGP race season schedule in 2021. The NTB Provincial Government is optimistic that all facilities and infrastructure can support the event.

"This is an effort to project what must be done and be prepared to welcome 2021 with all scheduled events," said Faozal.