Bintan Triathlon, one of Kepri’s standout sport tourism events, has made a comeback after a 3-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Lagoy Bay Bintan was chosen as the main venue for the competition.
The return of the Bintan Triathlon signifies a rejuvenation of tourism in the Kepulauan Riau (Kepri) region. Despite a smaller number of participants compared to the pre-pandemic editions, with up to 1,500 to 2,000 attendees, this year’s event is still considered special.
The Bintan Triathlon involves over 500 participants from 35 countries, ranging in age from 16 to 71. It tests their endurance in swimming, cycling, and running. This year, Bintan Resort partnered with Trifactor Singapore to organize the event. It offers three categories: Enduro, Olympic, and Sprint, each with varying distances in the swim, bike, and run segments.
The international event will host formidable athletes from different nations. Two triathlon talents from Kepri, Albert Wijaya and Max Federico Carlen, are set to represent Indonesia. Their participation underscores Indonesia’s remarkable potential in the world of triathlon.
In his closing remarks, Governor Ansar expressed the belief that this event would breathe new life into Kepri’s tourism sector. Despite having fewer participants this year, the event marks a revival that will garner increased attention in the coming years.
Governor Ansar also hopes that the Bintan Triathlon can serve as a model for other regions within Kepri. It highlights the region’s readiness to host international-class tourism events, promoting not only sports tourism but also cultural and artistic events to offer travelers diverse options.
To facilitate various tourism events, especially in Bintan, infrastructure development is a priority. This includes the improvement of roads and the revitalization of various tourist attractions, ensuring a rich experience for travelers.
The revival of the Bintan Triathlon is a promising sign of tourism recovery in Kepri. For international visitors, it signifies the region’s preparedness to host world-class events and diverse experiences beyond just sports tourism.
Bintan Triathlon returns to Kepri, marking a turning point in the region’s tourism revival. Governor Ansar Ahmad inaugurated the event, highlighting its importance for the region’s future. This international competition brings together over 500 participants from 35 countries, affirming Indonesia’s triathlon potential. It sets the stage for Kepri’s readiness to host international-class events, while infrastructure development enhances the overall tourist experience.
Source : Pos Metro, Antara News (2023)
