Youth potential in developing marine tourism and reducing destructive ecological changes on remote island

Abstract

The research aims to find out 1) the types of marine tourism found in Balobaloang Island, 2) the youth potentials found in Balobaloang Island. This research is mixed-method by using qualitative approaches and quantitative approaches with sequential exploratory models. Data were analysed by using analysis model 3 A (attraction, amenity, and accessibility) tourism product offering and Likert Scale Questionnaire, which was processed using descriptive statistics and in-depth interviews. The time of this study began April until July 2019 in Balobaloang Island, Pangkep Regency. Research results show 1) In terms of attractions there are 11 remote islands in the Balobaloang Village area, 5 inhabited islands and 6 uninhabited islands which are potential to be used as marine tourism such as mangroves, beaches, snorkeling, and diving spots, in terms of accessibility of the island is 14 hours from Makassar and 17 hours from Pangkep Regency even though the facilities and infrastructure available are still limited in this island. 2) Since 2014 until 2019 around 20,83% of youth aged 16-30 years from a total population of 240 young people work as employees on the tourism industry in tourist areas of Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Papua, and Bali. From the survey results of the youth potential of Balobaloang Island in the tourism sector, most of the 72% good potential. Tourist ship competencies have an appropriate score of 78%. Experience competencies have an appropriate score of 68%. Leadership competencies have a slightly appropriate score of 42%. Furthermore, Social competencies have an appropriate score of 60%.