22nd August 2022 – Bintan Regency Government, Riau Islands, aimed to attract 3,000 foreign tourists to travel to the island during Tour de Bintan.
Arif Sumarsono, the head of the Bintan Tourism Office, said that it is a realistic target considering the number of participants in this international-level tourism activity reaches 800 tourists. It’s expected that every participant brought along a member of their families like a wife and children.
There are participants from foreign countries such as Singapore, England, Australia, Malaysia, America, Japan, France, German, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. Participants from Indonesia are also present too.
The highest percentage of participants is from Singapore with 40 percent, second is England with 13 percent, Australia with 7 percent and Malaysia with 4 percent. Meanwhile, 5 percent of the participants are from Indonesia.
“According to our experience running Tour de Bintan, the average of participants did not come alone. They come with their family member while others brought along their friends too,” said Sumarsono.
As stated by the former head of the Gunung Kijang sub-district, Tour de Bintan will be held on 14th October 2022. All Tour de Bintan participants are expected to stay at some of the luxury hotels in the tourism area in Lagoi, Bintan.
Sumarsono predicts that each participant will stay at the hotel for 3 to 5 days. Each participant and their family are estimated to be able to spend around IDR 2 million to 5 million per day. This will have a positive impact on the tourism business, including supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, and increasing regional income.
Cyclists in the Tour de Bintan will cross a number of tourism areas in Bintan, starting from the Simpang Lagoi area. Participants can enjoy fresh air, and beautiful beaches while cycling.
There are 5 categories in the Tour de Bintan, 175 kilometres Individual Time Trial, 85 kilometres Grand Fondo Challenge, 146 kilometres Grand Fondo Classic, 108 kilometres Grand Fondo Century, and 55 kilometres Grand Fondo Discovery.