PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Based on the results of data collection from the West Java Province Youth and Sports Service (Dispora) in 2021, the West Java region has 42 sports tourism spots that have the potential to be developed.

According to the Head of West Java Dispora, Asep Sukmana, the 42 sport tourism points are spread across 14 districts and cities, namely Bogor City and Regency, Sukabumi Regency, Cianjur Regency, Purwakarta Regency, Subang Regency and West Bandung Regency.

The other seven points are Bandung Regency, Sumedang Regency, Garut Regency, Majalengka Regency, Kuningan Regency, Tasikmalaya Regency and Pangandaran Regency.

"The area of West Java that is being used as a place for sports tourism is increasing every year as a result of the success of organizing sports in the region in previous years," said Asep in Bandung City, Wednesday (22/5/2024).

He said, based on the results of the mapping that had been carried out, several types of sports tourism in West Java were focused on 11 types of sports.

"In order to promote sports tourism in West Java, there are 11 types of sports that can be carried out based on the geographical characteristics of each region," he said.

Asep said the 11 types of sports included cycling, climbing, white water rafting, scuba diving, golf, surfing, hiking, triathlon, motocross, paragliding and running.

These 11 types of sports can be carried out in several geographical conditions in West Java, such as mountains for hiking, running, triathlons, cycling and climbing.

Then the sea for scuba diving, the coast for surfing and triathlons. Then air for paragliding, rivers for white water rafting, urban areas for running, golf and cycling. Meanwhile, the hilly area is for motorbikes.

"For 2024, the West Java Provincial Government is focusing on running and cycling sports in order to promote sports tourism, including the Jabar Run 10K and Jabar Ultra in Kuningan Regency, Cycling de Jabar whose route is from Cirebon to Pangandaran," he explained.

The two types of sports in this activity, added Asep, have many fans and communities both inside and outside West Java.

"Usually the enthusiasts or communities are always enthusiastic about taking part and similar events will be made into their annual event schedule," he said.

Asep further explained that West Java, with its vast area, has many factors with its own charm to hold a sports tourism event.

The charm of West Java has many and varied tourist destinations, such as 1,436 natural tourist destinations, 585 cultural tourist destinations, and 758 artificial tourist destinations as well as the beauty of mountains, seas and natural basins which can provide unique experiences at each event held in a different location.

"Then accessibility in West Java is complete, it has two international airports, 13 stations and 130 trains, 13 ports, 9 toll roads and 26 type A and B terminals, which makes it easier for domestic and foreign tourists to come to West Java," he explained.

Another reason, according to Asep, is that West Java has complete accommodation, dining and travel facilities in every region.

The number of hotels in West Java is 1,874, homestays 458, restaurants 1,635, cafes 639, travel agencies 369, tour guides 509, and public transportation 20,764, so that participants will not lack anything while attending events in West Java.

"The creative economy and culinary tourism that continues to grow also adds further attraction for domestic and foreign tourists to explore West Java," he concluded.