Integrated coastal tourism development strategy in Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi

Abstract

Tourism development in Indonesia is increasingly developing, this can be seen on foreign tourist visit during recent 7 years that has been growing to 35.92 % [1]. Central Sulawesi is one of many provinces known for its coastal beauty, this is represented in Parigi Moutong Spatial Planning document [2]. According the document, there are 7 beaches and island prioritized as tourism destination. Among 11 municipalities and cities in Central Sulawesi, there are 4 municipalities having high rate of poor population. Poverty in Parigi Moutong is contradictory to the fact that the municipality has natural attractions along their coast. Gaps in policies to alleviate poverty exist because the strategy especially in developing coastal tourism doesn't consider existing and future condition. This condition found during interviews with several Parigi Moutong Government officers. Strategy proposition is formulated using SWOT Analysis to develop contextual strategy by considering internal and external condition. Based on several conditions found from the interview, the strategy could be categorized as a turnaround type since characterized by equal number of weakness and opportunity. Moreover, to leverage the development of coastal tourism improvement in infrastructure and community involvement is the major subject to be considered in near future.