MotoGP Mandalika 2026 is Expected to Strengthen Sport Tourism and the Tourism Sector of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB)

MotoGP Indonesia at Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara has once again captured global attention. More than just a racing event, the competition scheduled to take place at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on 9-11 October 2026 is expected to further cement Mandalika as a world-class Sports Tourism destination.

Head of the State-Owned Enterprises Supervisory Board and Danantara COO Dony Oskaria noted that the impacts of hosting MotoGP over the past five years have started to materialize across Mandalika's tourism and industrial sectors.

"We have also observed that after five years, MotoGP has shifted our tourism landscape and local industries in Mandalika. Far more people are now visiting the region," Dony stated in an official press release on Thursday.

This positive impact is supported by the massive public enthusiasm for the 2026 Mandalika MotoGP. Ticket sales have reportedly reached approximately 90 percent ahead of the race series scheduled for 9-11 October.

For the government and all relevant stakeholders, this high level of audience interest serves as critical foundation to expand the broader economic benefits generated by this international event.

Ahead of the race, the State-Owned Enterprises Supervisory Board, Danantara, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Finance, Dorna, and InJourney are continuously strengthening their collaborative efforts.

This cross-party synergy is structured to ensure MotoGP does not remain merely an annual sporting agenda. Its presence is also intended to create a ripple effect across the tourism sector, Creative Economy, and all other Business industries throughout West Nusa Tenggara.

Dony confirmed that the strong ticket sales align with Dorna's official assessment of Indonesia's market potential. The country's large population has established Indonesia as one of the most important global markets for MotoGP.

Over five years of hosting MotoGP, tangible changes have begun to appear across the Mandalika area. A region that previously had no large-scale Tourism Ecosystem is now growing rapidly with expanding supporting facilities.

"We can see the results clearly. Visitor traffic patterns in Mandalika have completely transformed over these past five years. There are now dozens of new restaurants, hotels, and even regular international flight routes operating here," Dony added.

The growth of accommodation and culinary outlets also confirms that tourism activity in Mandalika no longer only peaks on race days. Consistent visitor arrival has created opportunities for local businesses to develop complete, integrated travel experiences for guests.

Improved international flight connectivity has further accelerated this transformation. Easier regional access has opened greater opportunities to attract overseas tourists to Mandalika, while also expanding the global reach of Indonesia's sports tourism market.

On top of that, MotoGP provides West Nusa Tenggara with an international stage to showcase the region's other attractions outside the circuit grounds. Visitors who travel for the race can extend their trip to explore the wide range of natural, cultural, culinary and recreational destinations across Lombok and surrounding areas.

For this reason, the 2026 Mandalika MotoGP is expected to deliver long-term, sustainable impacts. As the local tourism ecosystem grows stronger, Mandalika will gain greater potential to develop as a year-round sports tourism destination, rather than only operating during the racing season.

With approximately 90 percent of tickets already sold and the local tourism ecosystem continuing to mature, MotoGP is once again acting as one of the primary growth drivers for Mandalika.

The core challenge moving forward is to ensure that every event iteration delivers widespread, inclusive benefits for local communities, while further cementing West Nusa Tenggara's position on the global sports tourism map.