A SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM PLANNING MODEL: DOES IT MATTER?

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the condition of tourism in the future and make a sustainable ecotourism planning model. The sample is East Java of areas, namely The Tapal Kuda region. This is because the tourism sector is one of the main sectors to increase economic growth in East Java. This potential is not only to increase the local revenue, but also to excess business opportunities, create new jobs, reduce unemployment and economic recovery. But, COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on tourism because decrease in tourist visits, thus providing a domino effect on the other sectors. In addition, tourism has threats, such as disaster; inflation; and the economic condition. Based on literature studies, the threats have a negative impact on the demand for tourists to visit and threatens tourism sustainability.   Methods: This research used quantitative descriptive analysis with three steps, input; matching stage; and decision stage. The data in this research is primary with used a survey method. Observation collection data techniques used interviews, questionnaires, documentation and secondary data from literature. The strategy formulation techniques of decision-making stage can be integrated in three from identifying, evaluating, and selecting strategies can be applied to all types and sizes of organizations.   Results: Tourism villages are one of the potentials that can be developed in the Tapal Kuda area, East Java. Tapal Kuda area consists of Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Bondowoso, and Banyuwangi. Based on the identification results, such as tourist attractions, tourism facilities, accessibility, community and environmental aspects, market aspects, management and services, linkages of tourist attractions, as well as community participation in the form of decision making, participation in implementation, participation in benefit-making, and evaluation, the results of almost all indicators have been met. A Sustainable ecotourism planning must pay attentionto various aspects economic, social, and environmental. Ecotourism development planning strategies with increasing human capital through community participation; stakeholder collaboration; integraty destination tourism; and promotion be the main factor to sustainability of tourism.   Conclusion: A Sustainable ecotourism planning model must pay attention to various aspects economic, social, and environmental. Human capital through community participation and involvement of stakeholders in this development strategy is important, not only to increase tourism visiting and economic growth, but also integraty destination tourism, preserving the environment and welfare in the society.