Ecotourism Site Suitability Using GIS and AHP: A Case Study of Ngargoyoso District in Karanganyar Regency

Abstract

The purpose of the Karanganyar Regency Regional Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPP) is to implement Sustainable Tourism Development (STD). Of the many concepts that are appropriate for achieving this goal, the concept of ecotourism is one of them. The growth of tourism activities in the Ngargoyoso district has accelerated. Local governments need to have instruments to help achieve STD goals in their areas. Studies related to the selection of suitable areas using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) based on ecotourism activities have been widely studied and applied in various regions of the world. This study aims to identify areas suitable for ecotourism as a basis for decision making for regional tourism development. The research approach is carried out by assessing expert opinion on the basis for determining policy using the AHP method. Then integrated with GIS techniques to be able to present the results of the assessment in the form of a map of the suitability of the location for ecotourism. The suitability classes in this study are divided into S1 (Very Suitable), S2 (Fairly Sufficient), S3 (Slightly Suited), and N (Not Sufficient) for the suitability of general ecotourism and S1 (Very Sufficient), S2 (Partially Sufficient) and N (Not suitable) for special ecotourism suitability. Also, this study conducted a clustering of special ecotourism (locally), namely Hiking, Tubing, and Camping. Cluster analysis is used to get a complete picture of the condition of the region to support making preliminary policy appropriately and quickly.