Model Development of A Synergistic Sustainable Marine Ecotourism—A Case Study in Pangandaran Region, West Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Coastal areas in the South Coast of West Java Province, Indonesia, have potential to develop marine ecotourism. One specific case is the Pangandaran area which must be transferred into economic value by not damaging natural resources. Marine ecotourism development is not only intended to raise foreign exchange for the local government, but is also expected to play a role in maintaining natural resources sustainably. This research aims to analyze the sustainable synergistic marine ecotourism development model. The method used in this research is the quantitative descriptive method. The quantitative descriptive method is used to describe the general condition of the research area, using primary and secondary data. The technique includes the taking of respondents using accidental sampling as many as 50 respondents, consisting of tourists, public figures, and fishermen who have side jobs as providers of marine ecotourism services. The analysis is carried out through the Rapfish modeling approach to measure the synergistic elements of sustainable development of marine ecotourism. Based on the results of the research the ecological dimension of environmental services are the most influential conditions, the economic dimension of marine ecotourism is a less influential condition. Meanwhile, marine ecotourism technology and the social dimension of marine ecotourism are least influential conditions. In regard to infrastructure and regulatory dimensions, the use of information technology is recommended to promote marine ecotourism optimally. It is also concluded that regulations are needed to establish marine ecotourism zoning rules and infrastructure improvements.