Ahead of the Mandalika MotoGP, Sandiaga says accommodation is still a challenge

Central Lombok, Todaysgist.com – The Mandalika Circuit is once again in the world spotlight ahead of the 2024 Mandalika MotoGP event. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno expressed high optimism regarding the success of this international event.

“If the track conditions are ideal, we have met with several racers, and the owner of Dorna expressed his satisfaction with the track conditions. It is hoped that the weather will support the 3rd Mandalika MotoGP,” said Sandiaga on Saturday (28/9/2024).

Sandiaga’s optimism is not only focused on circuit conditions. Ticket sales for the 2024 Mandalika MotoGP are also reported to have reached 80%. This figure is targeted to exceed last year’s sales record of 120,000 tickets.

“So, we hope that this will all be successful. Ticket sales have reached 80% and we are targeting this figure to be higher than last year’s record of 120,000,” he said.

Behind this optimism, Sandiaga also highlighted the challenges that still need to be overcome, especially related to the availability and price of accommodation.

“For accommodation, we have provided input, and coincidentally this has been reinforced by Dorna’s own view that the accommodation here is managed at too high a price,” said Sandiaga.

In response to this, Sandiaga has given directions to the Tourism Office to find solutions so that accommodation and other supporting facilities can be more affordable.

“I have given directions to the head of the Tourism Department and the team to ensure that accommodation and facilities are more affordable. If not, visitors will choose other events because of limited accommodation facilities,” he stressed.

Sandiaga acknowledged that the public’s high interest in the Mandalika MotoGP was one of the factors driving the increase in accommodation prices.

“The policy has been conveyed, but high demand has pushed the price up,” he explained.

To overcome this problem, Sandiaga hopes that local governments and related parties can prepare themselves better for holding MotoGP in the future.

“In the future, we must prepare well, including additional accommodation and supporting regulations,” he concluded.