Suitability assessment of nature-based tourism around national Park: Examining potential attractions near Biha Resort, Bukit Barisan Selatan, Indonesia

Abstract

Areas around national parks offer beautiful landscapes with a promising appeal for nature-based tourism. It provides alternative livelihoods for communities living in nearby settlements and supports conservation efforts. However, suitability assessment for nature-based tourism usually employs time-consuming analytical or spatial approaches that require extensive data collection and full technical analysis, making it challenging for local communities to conduct the assessment independently. Thus, this study aimed to provide a rapid parametric assessment that can immediately be utilized locally. Involving 11 parameters in three aspects (attractiveness, accessibility, and facilities), this study examined 11 natural resources (two beaches, one agroforestry spot, two dams, and six waterfalls) available near Biha Resort, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP), Indonesia, for their suitability as nature-based tourism attractions. The results showed that their suitability achieved 16/20 points for attractiveness, 15/16 for accessibility, and 15/15 for facilities. Thus, the suitability level for nature-based tourism in the region reached 90.2%, which is considered high. Still, infrastructure development, including roads and other public facilities (e.g., telephone and internet services, public restrooms, transportation, medical facilities, and tourism schools), remains crucial to foster the sustainability of nearby human settlements as the gateway to nature-based tourism.