The Strategy for Local Community Participation in Tourism Planning Around Conservation Areas in Indonesia

Abstract

Taman Nasional Bali Barat (TNBB) is a nature conservation areas in Indonesia. TNBB has been designated by the government as a nature tourism destination that admits development precedence because it is one of the national tourism strategic areas (NTSA). The sustainability of tourism in conservation areas is significantly determined by the level of local community participation in the tourism planning process. However, based on previous research, the level of local community participation in the tourism planning process in TNBB is low. This research aims to formulate a strategy for local community participation in the tourism planning process around the conservation areas. The method employed to achieve this objective is Appreciative Inquiry (AI). AI is a qualitative approach in participatory tourism planning. Data is collected and analyzed by following the AI stages or 4D cycle. The results show that local communities participate in tourism decision-making. The level of dialogue that has been taking place so far shows a pattern of decision-making or tourism planning process based on conservation areas. Starting from personal conversations in the context of friendship, then developing into organizational discourse, and later formulated as a shared vision and mission to optimize the function of conservation areas as tourism destinations. The involvement of local communities in the level of dialogue is a strategy for local community participation in the tourism planning process in TNBB.