inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) General Chairman Erick Thohir said that beach football has the potential to be developed into a sport tourism that can improve the economy.
"Indonesia is an archipelagic country with many beaches. So it is very interesting if we connect beach football with tourism, promoting the beauty of the sea and beaches in Indonesia," said the PSSI General Chair on Tuesday (11/19/2024).
According to Erick, his party is very open for the implementation of national or international beach soccer tournaments in Indonesia to attract tourists.
PSSI is also ready to work with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to mix the beach football competition with a tourism program. In addition PSSI is also ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports for its technical aspects.
"It is impossible for PSSI to stand alone without government support. It is very interesting when beach football can be connected with tourism promotion," said the PSSI General Chairperson.
The Indonesian government is currently developing the potential of sports tourism. The many natural tourism potentials, including mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches and seas, in the country are the main reasons behind this desire.
The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia for the 2020-2024 period, Sandiaga Uno, once said that the growth of sports tourism in Indonesia is estimated to reach IDR 18.790 trillion in 2024.
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