Mirwan Suwarso: Building a Sports Tourism Ecosystem Around Como 1907
Written by Admin • 2026-10-05 02:02:00
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Mirwan Suwarso is helping turn Como 1907 into more than a football club, connecting sport with tourism, hospitality, entertainment and community to build a wider sports business ecosystem around Lake Como.
Mirwan Suwarso: Building a Sports Tourism Ecosystem Around Como 1907
Transforming a football club into a community and tourism hub
From Serie D to a New European Stage
Como 1907 has undergone a remarkable transformation since its acquisition by the Djarum Group in 2019. The club, which had fallen into the depths of Serie D due to financial difficulties, has not only returned to Serie A but is also making strides toward competing on the Champions League stage by 2026. This journey is emblematic of the changing dynamics within sports leadership, where the focus extends beyond just the game on the pitch to encompass broader community and commercial narratives.
The pivotal transition in ownership marked a turning point for Como 1907, as Mirwan Suwarso took on the role of President and began redefining the club's identity. His vision emphasizes the importance of football as a means to connect with local and international audiences, effectively transforming the club's operations and its role within the community.
Beyond the Football Club
Rather than viewing Como 1907 solely as a sporting entity, Suwarso's approach integrates the club into a larger ecosystem that includes tourism, hospitality, retail, and entertainment. This strategy recognizes that the value of a football club extends beyond match days; it can serve as a platform for cultural experiences and community engagement. By leveraging the club’s popularity, Como 1907 aims to create a vibrant environment where fans and visitors alike can experience the essence of Lake Como.
Suwarso's leadership is characterized by a focus on sustainable growth, where the club’s initiatives in tourism and community development are designed to enhance the local economy. This forward-thinking approach positions Como 1907 not only as a competitor in football but also as a catalyst for economic and cultural development in the region.
Turning Como Into a Sports Tourism Destination
Under Suwarso's guidance, Como 1907 has launched SENT Tourism, which promotes travel packages that intertwine football with the breathtaking landscapes and experiences that Lake Como has to offer. This initiative reflects a strategic effort to market the club as part of a broader tourist attraction, where visitors are encouraged to explore the region while enjoying football matches and related events.
The Como Cup and other events serve as focal points for attracting tourists, creating opportunities for local businesses while enhancing the overall visitor experience. This holistic approach to sports tourism not only boosts the club’s profile but also enriches the cultural narrative of the area, making it a preferred destination for sports enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Sport, Business and the City
The partnerships forged with organizations such as AlUla and Como Nuoto 1919 further exemplify Suwarso's commitment to building a cohesive sports ecosystem. These collaborations not only connect Como 1907 with local sporting institutions but also enhance community engagement and provide avenues for shared growth. By fostering relationships that extend beyond the football pitch, Como 1907 is positioned as a central player in the local sports landscape.
This interconnectedness reinforces the narrative that successful sports organizations can create value through community involvement, tourism initiatives, and cross-industry partnerships. The club's efforts demonstrate how football can be a unifying force, bringing together diverse stakeholders and enhancing the local economy.
We’re not just hosting fans—we’re inviting the world to live football through the lens of Como.— Mirwan Suwarso, President of Como 1907
Facts & Insights
- Como 1907 was acquired by the Djarum Group in 2019 after the club had fallen into Serie D following financial difficulties.
- The club returned to Serie A in 2023/24 and has subsequently reached the Champions League stage in 2026.
- Como 1907's current ecosystem extends beyond football into areas including sport, retail, hospitality, media and tourism.
119 Yrs
Como 1907 history
2019
Djarum Group acquisition
Serie A
Return to Italy's top flight
Champions League
European stage in 2026
When Football Becomes an Ecosystem
The story of Mirwan Suwarso and Como 1907 reflects a broader evolution taking place across modern sports business. Football clubs increasingly operate at the intersection of entertainment, tourism, hospitality, commerce and community, creating opportunities that extend far beyond match day. In Como, that approach is closely connected with the character of the city itself, using football as a gateway to its landscape, culture and international appeal.
For BritishPEDIA, Suwarso's journey offers an example of how leadership in sport can involve not only building a successful team, but also creating an ecosystem in which a club, its community and its destination can grow together.
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Oleh Web Summit - SAM_9622, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=140958755