The Tour de Batam, scheduled for 22-24 September 2023, emerges as a pivotal international sport tourism event following the Batam Triathlon’s success, aiming to rope in over a thousand participants and generate substantial revenue.
The city of Batam prepares to host the Tour de Batam, an international cycling event that extends the legacy of the previous Batam Triathlon held at Nongsa Point Marina.
The Director of the Resort Group, Gerald Andrew Hendrick, confirmed that 650 participants have already registered for this world-class event, and the target is to have over 1,000 international participants with an expected revenue of $1.2 million.
Expressing gratitude towards Metasport, the organizers behind the event, the impact on tourism, especially international visits, is anticipated to be significant.
Following the success of Tour de Bintan last year, Metasport’s CEO, Nathalie Marquet, reveals that Batam has been chosen for this year’s tour, marking it as a qualifying stage for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series championship in Denmark.
The event offers various race categories, including Individual Time Trial (15 km), Gran Fondo Century (104 km and 82 km), Gran Fondo Discovery (52 km), and Gran Fondo Classic (149 km for men, 129 km for women), offering a comprehensive experience for participants.
Local authorities, including Kadisbudpar of Batam City, Ardiwinata, stressed the event’s infrastructural preparedness and the positive tourism repercussions it holds for Batam, especially post the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tour de Batam, located near Singapore, presents an appealing opportunity for Singaporeans and international visitors to witness a grand cycling event, stimulating regional tourism. The event’s success can set a precedent for future international sporting events in the region, attracting further global attention.
The Tour de Batam, slated for September 2023, aspires to build on the success of previous sporting events in the region. With its strategic position, diverse race categories, and potential to draw participants from 38 countries, it is poised to boost Batam’s post-pandemic tourism and offer an attractive spectacle for neighboring Singapore and the global audience.
Source: Batam Pos (2023)
