Socio-Cultural Factors on the Establishment and Development of Communal Homestay in Eco-Rural Tourism

Abstract

Socio-cultural aspects in homestay need to be identified since such businesses can make very close interactions among tourists and rural life. This study aimed to analyze socio-cultural factors in the establishment and development of communal homestays in eco-rural tourism. It was conducted in tourist villages in three provinces, namely the Special Region of Yogyakarta (Brayut and Tanjung Villages), West Java (Banceuy and Bunihayu Villages), and North Sulawesi (Bahoi, Tiwoho, Popareng, Tandengan, and Urongo Villages). This research used a close-ended questionnaire with 585 respondents. Data analysis was carried out in a quantitative descriptive by grouping, simplifying, and presenting the class interval data. The results showed that the majority of people in tourist villages agreed on the concept that communal homestay could be a forum for the preservation of the culture, customs, and norms of the local community. In the aspect of cultural heritage conservation, homestay businesses are considered capable of providing the function of protecting and preserving customs, arts, culture, religious traditions, and languages. The management of this communal homestay is considered to create social interaction, cooperation and reduce forms of unhealthy competition.