VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency held the Mandalika International Conference “Infinity Experience of Nature and Sport Tourism”, which was held in a hybrid manner at the Raja Hotel Kuta Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara.

This international conference is a collaboration between Tourism Ministry and Kompas to explore strengthening tourism products in Mandalika so that they are of international standard with their potential to offer unlimited experiences related to nature and sports.

“We are grateful that Mandalika, which is included in the Rinjani biosphere reserve, has received world recognition through UNESCO. The success of various international sporting events held at the Mandalika destination has also shown its competitiveness in the eyes of the world. Through the implementation of this international event, it is hoped that it will be able to revive the economy in Mandalika and have a welfare impact on the local community," said the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, when opening the Infinity Experience of Nature and Sport Tourism international conference. online, Wednesday (1/12/2021).

The Mandalika international conference presented various speakers which were divided into two sessions. In the first session, Session I was presented with the theme: "Exploring the Readiness of the Mandalika Sports Tourism Area", with the speaker being the Deputy for Coordination of Tourism and Creative Economy Kemenkomarves Odo RM Manuhutu; Country Manager VITO France & Founder House of Indonesia in Paris, Ekawati Moncarre; Mataram University Academic, Dr. M. Firmansyah; Sasak Lombok culturalist, Lalu Putria and Kompas Daily Senior Journalist, Adi Prinantyo.

Session II was presented with the theme: "The Key to the Development of Sports Tourism and Creative Economy in the Mandalika Region", with Founder of Javara as speakers, Helianti Hilman; President Director of Dyandra Promosindo, Hendra Noor Saleh; Event Director Rinjani Geopark Sport Tourism Festival, Mohammad Farid Zaini and Race Director L'Etape Indonesia by Tour de France, Zacky Badrudin.

"I really hope that this activity can create innovations and new breakthroughs in the development of the Mandalika super-priority destination as a quality and sustainable tourism destination. For that, we have to move quickly, move together, and work on all potentials so job opportunities are opened as wide as possible," said the Menparekraf.

On that occasion, the Deputy for Tourism Products and Activities (Events) Rizki Handayani, explained that this international conference was held to discuss and find various solutions on how in the future we can maintain and strengthen tourism products in Mandalika, as well as optimize sporting events. for the development of tourism and the creative economy that can have an impact on local communities.

“As we all know, a few weeks ago, several international sporting events were successfully held in Mandalika. Hopefully, this will be able to spur Mandalika so that its tourism products and services and the creative economy will be better in order to provide an authentic, unique and memorable experience for tourists so that they will continue to return to visit Mandalika in the future,” he said.

At this conference, there was also an exhibition of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of creative products typical of NTB, including Uniwis Weaving, Concha Pearls by Lamops, Telu Craft, Berkah Alam Coffee, Hasanah Honey, Lombok NTB Pearls, Mawar Ketag Lombok & Crafts Shop, Sate Rembiga, and Taliwang Chicken Goyang Lidah, Organic Lombok Cosmetics, Tenun Namia Gallery & Ferry Koencoro Gallery.

The Mandalika International Conference was also held with a strict application of CHSE MICE in order to provide security and comfort during MICE activities during the pandemic. This activity adapts to the new normal order by applying the CHSE MICE guidelines in its implementation, as well as innovating by utilizing technology for the implementation of hybrid activities through the mice.id platform, and collaborating with all parties to carry out activities successfully, safely, and comfortably. (VOI)