KUDUS – The arrival of hundreds, if not thousands, of athletes in Kudus for championship events consistently transforms the city. Hotel lobbies, typically tranquil, grow bustling with activity. Contingents arrive in waves, suitcases are neatly stacked awaiting check-in, and athletes' families seek information on local dining, souvenir centers, and tourist destinations to visit once the competition concludes.
This scene illustrates that sports championships extend far beyond the arena. Outside the venue, local economic drivers—ranging from hotels and restaurants to transportation and tourism—receive a significant boost. For Kudus Regency, the surge in sporting events over the past few years has fostered an ecosystem that integrates sports, the hospitality industry, and community economic activity into a mutually supportive chain.
Kudus Regency has increasingly become a routine host for various sporting events, from youth tournaments to national-level competitions. Each event brings athletes, coaches, officials, technical staff, supporters, and participants' families to the 'City of Kretek' for extended stays, driving demand for accommodations and boosting hotel occupancy rates.
Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) in Kudus, Muhammad Qirom, stated that the growth of sports tourism has had a tangible impact on the local hospitality industry. He noted that nearly every championship attracts out-of-town guests in need of lodging while in Kudus.
“Sports tourism brings in contingents, participants, officials, and supporters who all require accommodation while in Kudus. The impact on hotel occupancy is very significant,” he said.
The rise in visitor mobility is a key indicator of the hospitality industry's development in Kudus. Qirom believes this trend is encouraging new investments in the hotel sector to keep pace with the growing demand for rooms.
“The development of hotels in Kudus in recent years has been quite positive, as evidenced by investors looking to establish properties here. Among the latest this year is Hotel Horison IJ, and more star-rated hotels are expected to follow. This demonstrates that Kudus has strong potential due to increased public mobility and higher visitation frequency,” he added.
As the hospitality sector expands, the Kudus chapter of PHRI reports there are currently two four-star hotels and three three-star hotels recommended for athletes, officials, families, and tourists attending regional and national sports events. These hotels are recognized for their adequate facilities, professional service, and strategic locations with access to various sports venues.
The increase in the number of hotels not only broadens options for guests but also reflects growing investor confidence in Kudus as a host for sporting events. The consistent delivery of various championships throughout the year creates a sustainable flow of visitors, ensuring that the hospitality industry can continue to thrive alongside the city's expanding sports tourism ecosystem.
The development of sports tourism in Kudus extends beyond hosting national championships. This emerging ecosystem will enter a new chapter as Kudus Regency hosts the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026, scheduled for August 14–23, 2026.
The international U-17 girls' youth football tournament will feature eight teams from seven nations: Indonesia, represented by Tim Garuda Pertiwi and Tim Putri Nusantara, alongside Hong Kong, Jordan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. Over the week-long event, the influx of athletes, coaches, officials, match staff, media, and families is expected to boost tourism activity in Kudus significantly.
This event continues the series of sporting competitions that have solidified Kudus' reputation as a premier sports tourism destination. Beyond the matches themselves, the international championship creates economic opportunities by driving demand for accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, and local tourism services.
The rising number of visitors attracted by sporting events presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the hospitality industry to maintain high service standards. For athletes, officials, and families, hotels serve as more than just lodging; they are essential spaces for recovery and provide the initial impression of their experience in Kudus.
The growth of sports agendas in Kudus is supported by accommodation facilities capable of meeting the needs of diverse participants. Kudus offers a range of lodging options, including three- and four-star hotels located in strategic areas. Among the four-star options, Hotel Griptha on Jalan AKBP Agil Kusumadya, Jati Wetan, features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, children's play area, meeting rooms, and a restaurant. Meanwhile, Horison IJ Kudus, located on Jalan Kepodang, Wergu Kulon, provides amenities including a pool, restaurant, 24-hour room service, and a convenient city-center location.
Several three-star hotel options are frequently utilized by both tourists and business travelers. @HOM Hotel Kudus by Horison, located on Jalan Tanjung near the Kudus town square and local culinary districts, provides amenities such as a restaurant, WiFi, breakfast buffets, and airport shuttle services. Meanwhile, Sapphire Boutique Hotel Kudus on Jalan Lingkar Barat offers an outdoor swimming pool, a café, a restaurant, and scenic views of surrounding rice fields. Hotel Kenari Asri is another three-star hotel accommodation alternative in Kudus, offering rates that are relatively affordable for athletes, officials, families, and tourists. This three-star hotel is located at Jalan Kenari No. 2, Panjunan, Kudus.
Muhammad Qirom, chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) for Kudus Regency, stated that his organization continues to provide guidance to hotel management to ensure service quality keeps pace with the growing number of sporting events.
"PHRI provides guidance and education to all members so that Kudus, as a sports tourism host, can provide maximum service. We want guests to have a positive impression so that they will return to Kudus in the future, whether for tourism or to participate in other activities," he explained.
According to Qirom, good service is not measured solely by room cleanliness, facilities, or staff friendliness. Hotels can also serve as the first point of contact for guests to get to know Kudus. Providing information on tourist destinations, souvenir centers, and local culinary recommendations adds value that enriches the guest experience in the 'City of Kretek'.
"Hotels should be more proactive in providing information about tour packages or destinations in Kudus so that athletes and officials can relax after their competitions. That creates added value in our service," he noted.
This approach ensures that the guest experience extends beyond just the competition itself. In between event schedules, visitors have the opportunity to explore parts of the city, enjoy local delicacies, or purchase local products as souvenirs. A more comprehensive experience increases the likelihood that guests will return in the future.
Beyond accommodation availability, easy mobility is another factor supporting the success of sports events in Kudus. Most of the star-rated hotels are located relatively close to competition venues and the city center, allowing for efficient travel times between locations.
"Kudus is an accessible city. The distance from hotels to competition venues or the city center is relatively short, supported by adequate transportation, which greatly facilitates our guests," said Qirom.
For athletes and officials, this arrangement reduces travel time to competition venues, allowing them to better focus on their preparations. Meanwhile, for the families of participants, the proximity of hotels to venues, culinary hubs, and tourist attractions provides the flexibility to enjoy the city without spending excessive time in transit.
Convenient access also streamlines mobility management for organizers throughout the tournament. The relatively short distance between hotels and venues is a key factor supporting the smooth execution of national and international events.
The rise in sports events held in Kudus has prompted local hotels to tailor their facilities and services to meet guest needs. Athletes require comfortable rest areas to maintain fitness, officials need coordination spaces and efficient access, while participants' families seek comfortable accommodation close to the city's activity centers. Consequently, hotel options in Kudus now offer not only varied rates but also facilities specifically designed to support sporting championships.
The availability of various hotel categories, from star-rated establishments to more economical lodgings, provides flexibility for every group. Large delegations generally prioritize room capacity, bus parking, meeting rooms, and efficient check-in processes for large groups. Conversely, athletes' families and tourists prioritize strategic locations for easy access to competition venues, tourist sites, and culinary hubs in Kudus.
Beyond serving as overnight stays, hotels act as an integral part of the sports ecosystem. Comfortable accommodations help athletes recover after competition, while quality service facilitates the mobility of coaches, match officials, and other guests. This support makes attending championships in Kudus more practical while strengthening the region's readiness to host various regional and national sports events.
Meanwhile, Griptha Hotel Kudus stands as one of the largest four-star hotels in Kudus Regency. This four-star property features approximately 118 rooms supported by various facilities, such as The Flamingoooooal’e Restaurant, Teman Canda Cafe, Majesty Palace Grand Ballroom, seven meeting rooms, a swimming pool, a fitness center, spacious parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
With its large room capacity and comprehensive amenities, the Griptha Hotel is a frequent choice for sports contingents and national-scale events requiring extensive accommodation. Its strategic location is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Kudus and about 50 minutes from Jenderal Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang.
Room rates range from Rp 700,000 to Rp 1.8 million per night, depending on the room category and time of booking.
Guests at the Griptha Hotel have easy access to several premier tourist destinations in Kudus. The Al-Aqsa Menara Kudus Mosque and the Kretek Museum are within a 10- to 15-minute drive. Those seeking green open spaces can visit the nearby Oasis Djarum Park, a popular spot for leisure walks and outdoor exercise.
Dining options around the Griptha Hotel are diverse. In addition to the on-site The Flamingoooooal’e Restaurant and Teman Canda Cafe, guests can visit the Taman Bojana Culinary Center in the Simpang Tujuh area to sample authentic Kudus specialties, such as buffalo soto, nasi pindang, and lentog tanjung.
Various local eateries along Jalan Ahmad Yani and Jalan Sunan Kudus are reachable within a 10-minute drive, allowing travelers to easily enjoy local flavors during their stay in Kudus.
Another option is the Horison IJ Kudus, located on Jalan Kepodang, Wergu Kulon. Opened in 2026, this four-star hotel features a contemporary business hotel concept with facilities tailored to both business travelers and athletic teams. The arrival of Horison IJ addresses the growing demand for accommodation in Kudus as the city hosts an increasing number of sporting events. High occupancy rates during these events were a key factor in the hotel's development, further bolstering Kudus's readiness as a sports tourism destination.
In addition to a swimming pool and restaurant, the hotel features meeting rooms, internet access, and in-room workspaces. Located approximately 400 meters from the Simpang Tujuh Town Square and a six-minute, 2.4-kilometer drive from the Supersoccer Arena, the hotel offers convenient access to both the event venue and the city center.
Room rates range from approximately Rp 600,000 to Rp 1.5 million per night, depending on room type and booking period.
Beyond its comprehensive facilities, Horison IJ Kudus boasts a strategic location for exploring various destinations in the city center.
Guests can reach the Al-Aqsa Menara Kudus Mosque, a historical and religious landmark, in just five minutes by car. The Kretek Museum, an educational destination showcasing Indonesia's clove cigarette history, is approximately seven minutes away.
For those seeking open-air relaxation, Oasis Djarum Park is about an eight-minute drive. Meanwhile, the Simpang Tujuh area, located just 400 meters from the hotel, offers diverse street food options and a vibrant city nightlife. Visitors can also enjoy various restaurants, including Katsuyame Udon & Tempura, which is five minutes away, allowing guests to combine their stay with culinary adventures and visits to Kudus' top attractions.
Another accommodation option is @Hom Hotel Kudus on Jalan Tanjung. This three-star property features 87 functional rooms, an on-site restaurant, meeting spaces, and Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. As part of the Horison Group, @Hom Hotel has extensive experience hosting large groups, making it well-suited for athletes, officials, and families traveling together.
Located roughly five minutes or 1.5 kilometers from the Supersoccer Arena, room rates range from IDR 350,000 to IDR 700,000 per night. Its prime city-center location provides easy access to various local culinary spots that bustle with activity at night. Guests can walk to numerous eateries from the hotel, including the popular Rumah Makan Garang Asem Sari Rasa (Gasasa) on Jalan Tanjung, situated just 50 to 200 meters away.
Beyond dining, the hotel's location also allows guests to easily visit several key Kudus attractions. The Al-Aqsa Menara Kudus Mosque, a landmark of religious and historical significance, is only two kilometers away. Guests can reach the Kudus Jenang Museum within 2.5 kilometers to learn about local history while sampling traditional *jenang*, or visit the Kretek Museum, located about three kilometers away, which chronicles the history of the cigarette industry—a vital component of the Kudus region's identity.
For those seeking a different atmosphere, the Sapphire Boutique Hotel provides a boutique concept with family-friendly open spaces.
This three-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a café, and a spacious ballroom suitable for various events.
Situated in the West Ring Road area, the Sapphire Boutique Hotel offers relatively easy access to sports facilities in the Jati region as well as the main entry and exit routes for Kudus Regency. Room rates vary from IDR 450,000 to IDR 900,000 per night, depending on the room category and booking time.
Entering 2026, the Sapphire Boutique Hotel continues to expand its facilities to provide a distinct lodging experience. Embracing the concept of The Best Hotel in Kudus with Bali Vibes, the property is introducing exclusive villas and plans for a large-capacity grand ballroom, aimed at bolstering premium accommodation options in Kudus for tourists, business travelers, and groups attending various activities and events.
The villa complex houses six rooms across two categories: Business Villa and Suite Villa. Each 30- to 50-square-meter unit features a kitchen set, a bathroom with a bathtub, an oversized bed, a comfortable workspace, and a complimentary snack bar. These amenities cater to guests seeking comfort, privacy, and an exclusive stay while in Kudus.
Beyond its extensive facilities, the Sapphire Boutique Hotel offers convenient access to various tourist attractions and culinary spots in Kudus. Located about four kilometers or a 10-minute drive away, Oasis Djarum Park serves as a green open space suitable for relaxing, walking, or light exercise.
For culinary enthusiasts, guests can dine at the Wolu Watu Cafe & Resto, located within the hotel complex and offering a Balinese atmosphere. Other options include Selat Solo “Mami” in the Tumpangkrasak area, approximately an 11-minute drive away, and the Taman Bojana Culinary Center near Simpang Tujuh Kudus, which serves a variety of local specialties such as buffalo soto and nasi pindang, about 17 minutes from the hotel.
The Kudus chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) recommends Hotel Kenari Asri as an alternative accommodation with relatively affordable rates for athletes, officials, participating families, and tourists. This three-star hotel, located at Jalan Kenari No. 2, Panjunan, Kudus, features 40 rooms and offers various amenities, including a restaurant, meeting rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, and 24-hour reception services.
Room rates range from Rp320,000 to Rp740,000 per night, making it a competitive choice for groups attending sporting events in Kudus.
The advantage of Hotel Kenari Asri also lies in its strategic city-center location. Kudus Mall and the Simpang Tujuh square are within walking distance, while the Al-Aqsa Menara Kudus Mosque, the Jenang Kudus Museum, and the Kretek Museum are just a short drive away. The surrounding area also offers diverse dining options, such as Greens Bakery & Bistro, Ikki Resto, and the Taman Bojana Culinary Center, which features Kudus delicacies like soto Kudus, nasi pindang, and jenang Kudus. Meanwhile, GOR Wergu Wetan, one of the primary sports venues in Kudus, is approximately a six-minute drive, or 2.1 kilometers, from the hotel.
For sports groups, hotel selection involves more than just proximity to competition venues. Amenities such as meeting rooms for team coordination, bus-capable parking, reliable internet, and flexible meal options are essential during championships. As the number of sporting events in Kudus grows, local hotels continue to adapt their facilities and services to accommodate large groups with diverse needs.
Every sporting event has a finish line, but its impact extends well beyond the final whistle. Behind each championship, various activities continue to drive the local economy, involving numerous stakeholders. Athletes, officials, families, media, and tourists arrive with varied requirements, ranging from accommodation and dining to transportation and leisure activities outside the arena.
This movement creates a synergistic interdependency between sectors. Hotels provide lodging, restaurants and cafes address dining needs, SMEs showcase local specialty products, and gift shops and tourist attractions round out the visitor experience in Kudus. Simultaneously, transport services and auxiliary businesses report a boost in activity tied to the hosting of sports events.
These activities demonstrate that sports tourism transcends the action on the field. Sports championships drive tourist traffic, broaden economic activity, and integrate complementary sectors ranging from hospitality and dining to transportation and retail.
One such upcoming event is the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026. This international youth women's soccer tournament will bring athletes from various countries, along with coaches, officials, media, and supporters, all requiring services throughout their stay in Kudus.
This highlights the broader impact of sports events beyond the field of play. The arrival of thousands of participants and visitors stimulates demand for accommodation, food services, transportation, and local tourism offerings throughout the duration of the event.
Chairman of the Kudus Regency chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Muhammad Qirom, noted that while the number of star-rated hotels in Kudus is lower than in major metropolitan areas, management continues to upgrade facilities and service quality to meet the needs of guests, including those visiting for sports championships.
“Three- and four-star hotels in Kudus are still limited, such as Horison IJ, @Hom, Sapphire Boutique Hotel, Griptha, Kenari, The Sato Hotel, and several others. However, all are continuously improving their facilities to enhance guest comfort. Most are also strategically located, only 15 to 20 minutes from sports venues and the city center,” he said.
The availability of hotels with varying capacities, facilities, and price points offers diverse options for athletes, officials, families, and tourists. As sports events become more frequent, this evolution shows that the hospitality industry is adapting as a core component of the sports tourism ecosystem in Kudus Regency.
The surge in sports activity in Kudus not only delivers high-stakes competition but also drives demand for varied accommodation. With hotels actively upgrading facilities, services, and accessibility to venues, Kudus is increasingly prepared to host sports championships while providing a comfortable stay for athletes, officials, families, and visitors alike. (ITN/mainkekudus)
