Pentahelix model application for tourism development strategy

Abstract

This study discussed the application of the Pentahelix model in the development strategies of Toba Samosir tourism. The current research was conducted using a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. It aimed at exploring how stakeholder synergy in each formulation, as well as the development of tourism. Research data were collected through observation, interviews, literature review, and surveys. The results showed that the lack of synergy between stakeholders caused the low number of tourist visits. The government tends to assume that the stakeholders are the sole owner of the power so that the development of tourism has not been able to produce welfare, even, it tends to cause prolonged conflict within the community itself. Therefore, the current study proposes a vital step of pentahelix model, in which the government of local regency should have better synergy with stakeholders.