LOMBOK UTARA (NTBNOW.CO) – The Indonesian Travel Agents Association (Astindo) NTB successfully hosted its inaugural Open Golf Tournament at Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club, Sire Beach, North Lombok, on Saturday (17/9). The event attracted 135 golfers from across Indonesia and abroad, including participants from Australia and South Korea, marking a strategic effort to revive NTB tourism post-earthquake and pandemic through sport tourism.
Chairman of Astindo NTB, Sahlan M Saleh, highlighted the overwhelming enthusiasm as proof of Lombok’s untapped sports tourism potential. “This tournament is our initial step to optimize underdeveloped sport tourism. We aim to gradually contribute to NTB’s tourism recovery,” he stated.
Participants from Java, Bali, Sumatra, and international players added prestige to the event. Sahlan revealed plans to make the tournament an annual fixture, driven by participant demand. “Many requested a recurring event. This is our creative approach to attract tourists uniquely,” he added.
Organizing Committee Chair Kertajadi emphasized that the Astindo Open Golf Tournament also prioritized empowering Lombok’s MSMEs. Food and craft booths from Mataram, West Lombok, and North Lombok enlivened the venue. “This simultaneously promoted local products. The response was overwhelmingly positive,” he explained.
Kertajadi also noted that many participants—predominantly business owners—explored investment opportunities in NTB. “Networking on the golf course could spark business collaborations. Their visit wasn’t just about competition but also assessing NTB’s economic potential,” he said.
Praise for Astindo as a Catalyst for Sport Tourism
Participant I Made Agus Ariana applauded Astindo NTB for organizing the large-scale event, calling it a potential turning point for Lombok’s tourism revival. “Lombok boasts two world-class golf courses. Astindo has proven golf can be a flagship tourism attraction,” he remarked.
Support from creative communities and local businesses was key to the event’s success. Moving forward, Astindo commits to consistently hosting similar tournaments, blending sports, destination promotion, and local economic empowerment.
Beyond boosting visitor numbers, the event encouraged participants to extend their stays for leisure. Hopes are high that the Astindo Open Golf Tournament will inspire similar events, solidifying NTB’s position as a leading sport tourism destination in Indonesia.
(source: lombokpost.jawapos.com)
Caption: Chairman of Astindo NTB, Sahlan M Saleh. (ist)
