MotoGP Mandalika 2026 Opens Lombok Tourism Opportunities, Ranging From Local Culinary Offerings To Gili Trawangan Travel Packages.

MotoGP Mandalika 2026 is not only about competition between riders on the track. This international racing event held 9–11 October also brings opportunities for the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) tourism sector, ranging from hotels and restaurants, souvenir centres, MSMEs, to Tourism Destinations across Lombok.

In Mataram City, enthusiasm for MotoGP is already visible through rising hotel occupancy rates. The city government targets hotel occupancy to reach 90 percent during the event peak. Meanwhile tourism operators are preparing various activities to encourage visitors to spend time outside the racing circuit.

Cahya Samudra, Head of Mataram City Tourism Office, stated that hotel occupancy has already shown positive growth ahead of the race at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Central Lombok.

"Report from the Chairman of Mataram Hotel Association last Weekend noted that Hotel Occupancy has already exceeded 85 percent. We target at minimum 90 percent occupancy during the peak of MotoGP," said Cahya in Mataram.

Although Mataram is located outside the main MotoGP venue area, the capital of NTB has its own unique appeal. Visitors can enjoy an approximately 9 kilometre long coastline, watch sunsets, explore Ampenan Old Town, visit religious Tourism Destinations, and shop for authentic Lombok souvenirs.

MSME Bazaar and Culinary Festival at Teras Udayana

One supporting MotoGP event prepared by the Mataram City Government is an MSME bazaar at Teras Udayana on 9–10 October 2026. A total of 20 booths will be occupied by local businesses offering various products, especially signature Lombok cuisine.

Visitors can find ayam taliwang grilled chicken, Rembiga satay, plecing kangkung salad, pusut satay, and assorted local snacks. Alongside food vendors, the bazaar will also feature craft and garment businesses.

"We have prepared 20 booth units for 20 tenants at this MotoGP MSME Bazaar in Teras Udayana Mataram," stated Cahya.

This bazaar will be an option for visitors who wish to experience the city atmosphere after attending MotoGP activities. The city government will also host live music entertainment under the programme titled Friday Relax.

"This activity is aligned with our weekly four themed public programmes. Specifically during the MotoGP week on 9 and 10 October, we will run this special 'Friday Relax' event centred at Teras Udayana," he added.

Shopping for Pearls and Traditional Mataram Handicrafts

For visitors looking to bring home souvenirs, the Sekarbela area is a recommended destination. This district is known as the pearl craft production centre, one of the flagship MSME products of Mataram City.

Pearls are a popular souvenir choice for both Domestic Visitors and international tourists. Guests can browse the full range of craft products available in this area while selecting authentic Lombok keepsakes.

Aside from pearls, Mataram also has traditional cukli wood crafts produced in Rungkang Jangkuk, Sayang-Sayang. This handcrafted woodwork is inlaid with pearl shell fragments, creating distinct decorative patterns made exclusively by local artisans.

These craft centres provide additional options for visitors wishing to purchase non-food souvenirs. After shopping, guests can also continue their outing by exploring Ampenan Old Town or visiting the coastline to fill their time outside the racing schedule.

The Head of Mataram City Tourism Office noted that traders at all souvenir centres are already experienced in serving tourists, making this existing readiness a key asset for welcoming MotoGP.

"Overall, all established souvenir shopping hubs across Mataram City are fully prepared at this stage," he stated.

Rinjani Travel Mart Targets IDR 20 Billion Transaction Value

The MotoGP momentum aligns with a wider tourism Business agenda. The Indonesian Travel Bureau Association (ASITA) NTB chapter targets the 7th Rinjani Travel Mart (RTM) held 13–15 October 2026 to generate IDR 20 billion in travel package sales transactions.

Sellywati, Chairwoman of ASITA NTB, explained that the event will bring together approximately 100 buyers and sellers from domestic and international markets. Confirmed participating markets include Japan, United States of America, China, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and Timor Leste.

"We are targeting IDR 20 billion in transactions this year, and we are optimistic it may even reach IDR 30 billion. We have a very diverse pool of buyers attending this edition," Sellywati stated, accompanied by ASITA NTB board members.

Sellywati confirmed that the previous Rinjani Travel Mart edition recorded approximately IDR 15 billion in travel package sales.

"Interest to attend this year is extremely high, and the confirmed buyers are of higher calibre than before. That is why we are confident transaction volumes will grow significantly compared to last year's IDR 15 billion result," she explained.

Travel packages on offer are not limited to the Mandalika area. This year the event will highlight destinations including Gili Trawangan and Senaru in North Lombok, while Sumbawa Island will promote exclusive experiences including Whale Shark Tourism and Lakey Beach in Dompu.

"For Sumbawa Island we are featuring whale shark tours and Lakey Beach in Dompu. For Lombok we have Gili Trawangan and all other popular destinations. We are presenting our full range of travel packages to international markets," she concluded.