Identification of the distribution of natural tourism objects along the outer ring road of Lake Toba Aek Nauli-Merek section, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia as a country that has the potential for high value natural beauty has an average ecotourism growth of 10% per year. This figure is higher than the general growth rate of 4.6% per year. North Sumatra Province has many tourism objects based on the use of natural beauty, but the development is still limited, especially those along the outer ring of Lake Toba, the Aek Nauli Merek section. This study aims to identify and map the distribution of natural tourism objects along the outer ring of Lake Toba section of the Aek Nauli Merek section, North Sumatra Province. Distribution analysis was carried out using GIS software and Google Earth for data processing. The results of the study indicate that 49 natural attractions have been identified scattered along the research location. The forms of natural tourism consist of camping ground, outbound activities, educational tours, natural scenery/landscapes of Lake Toba. The results of the identification of the distribution of natural tourism objects are plotted on a map by taking coordinates consisting of graphic data anhd attributes for each identified tourist attraction.