REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Tour de Singkarak (TDS) 2015, held from 3rd to 11th October in West Sumatra, was successful. TDS that was followed by participants from 36 countries, has big potential to bring in foreign tourists in the future.

Tourism observers, Herdi Syahrasad, said the presence of many participants, officials, and the committee for TDS in West Sumatra has a direct impact on the local economy.

"It was seen when the participants stay, shop, and buy souvenirs to take home to their countries," said Herdi, Friday (16/10).

He added, based on analysis of the data over the last three years, TDS was able to increase tourist visits to West Sumatra. According to Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya, data of the ministry stated that there was an increase in foreign tourist arrivals from 32,768 people in 2012 to 44,135 people in 2013, and it increased to become 58,223 in 2014.

"In other words, in three years there was an increase of 77.6 percent. This year, the tourist visit is expected to rise more significantly," said Arief.

Arief asked all parties to optimize the long-term impact. He emphasized that all stakeholders, especially local governments, should hold additional creative activities.

"For example, local government can conduct activities that make the participants have more memories, so they are interested in coming back to West Sumatra," Arief added.

Increased audience of TDS was important to improve the ranking of TDS. The current position of TDS was ranked fifth in the world. The top ranking was still occupied by Tour de France.

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