KESIAPAN LOK BAINTAN SEBAGAI DESTINASI WISATA NASIONAL (Tinjauan dari Sudut Pandang Ekowisata)

Abstract

The development of the tourism sector can be combined with environmental conservation activities and sustainable development if it is designed with the concept of sustainable tourism. Ecotourism is a form of travel that adopt the principles of sustainable tourism. In its implementation, forms of tourism activities is actively contributing to the conservation of nature and cultural activities; involving local people in the planning, development and management of tourism and contribute positively to their welfare; and carried out in the form of independent travel or organized in the form of small groups. Research development of ecotourism in the Lok Baintan Tourism Area using qualitative descriptive method. The scope of this study includes the potential for ecotourism and tourism development policy concepts in Lok Baintan Tourism Area. Ecotourism development based on several criteria, that is: (i) environmental conservation; (Ii) efforts to preserve local arts and culture; and (iii) upava local community involvement and increased welfare. The results of the discussion can be concluded that the Lok Baintan Tourism Area still can not be categorized as an ecotourism area and have not been intensively involve local communities and not been able to contribute much to stimulate the economy of local communities. Nevertheless Lok Baintan Tourism Area has the potential to be developed as a tourist area that preserve the environment, social and cultural life and improve the welfare of local communities Keywords: ecotourism, Lok Baintan, local communities