Medan - North Sumatra Islamic University economist Gunawan Benjamin believes the XXI National Sports Week (PON) will be able to improve the community's economy, especially in the tourism sector in the region.
"I think there will be at least more than 10,000 visitors from outside who enter North Sumatra during this PON," Gunawan said in Medan, Wednesday (28/8/2024).
Gunawan's belief is based on the involvement of around 6,281 people, with the support of 3,140 officials who participated in this national event, plus tourists, guests and others.
As long as they spend time in North Sumatra, there will certainly be many guests who are also looking for tourism objects in the Medan City region.
"In this opportunity, it should be used to promote tourism in each region. If necessary, direct accommodation such as transportation is provided for guests who want to enjoy tourism in North Sumatra," he said.
The impact of this tourism promotion will later encourage hotel occupancy rates, encourage guests to spend more money which will have an impact on increasing all business sectors.
"Coupled with the side event, it must be very significant to boost the economy in North Sumatra," said Gunawan.
Previously, the Medan City Government (Pemkot) had also stated that the implementation of PON had a positive impact on Medan tourism.
"By being a good host during PON 2024, Medan tourism will increase. If so, there will be a positive multiplier effect, such as an increase in hotel occupancy and an increase in the business of creative economy players," said Medan Tourism Office Secretary Vianti Dewi Nasution.
According to Vianti, for Medan tourism, the holding of PON 2024 in North Sumatra brings a positive side due to the large number of athletes, officials and support staff who come.
On a separate occasion, Head of the Karo Regency Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism Office Munarta Ginting said the event had a very positive impact on the region.
Later his party will offer these guests to have a holiday in various superior tourist attractions in Karo.
Such as Berastagi City, Sipiso-piso Waterfall, Tongging, Lake Toba, hot springs, and other tourist attractions utilising other natural beauty, and culture. (Syahbainy Nasution, Indra Gultom/TR/Elvira Inda Sari).