Manajemen Pengunjung dan Daya Dukung Pariwisata Pada Situs Petirtaan Jolotundo Mojokerto

Abstract

Visitor management is a key component of tourism destination management, particularly in ensuring environmental sustainability and cultural preservation at Petirtaan Jolotundo, a heritage site of significant historical value. This qualitative descriptive study examines site managers' efforts to implement visitor management, identifies the challenges encountered and the solutions developed, and determines the site's carrying capacity as a basis for regulating tourist flows. Based on observations, stakeholder interviews, and carrying capacity analysis, the study found that managers have improved various supporting facilities, including rest areas, gazebos, toilets, parking spaces, and food stalls, and have also maintained the heritage structures routinely. A 24-hour operational system has also been adopted to accommodate community rituals that occur at specific times, ensuring that cultural practices continue smoothly. However, several obstacles remain, such as the absence of trained local guides, limited diversification of complementary attractions, and a low level of understanding of sustainable tourism principles among the community and visitors. To reduce pressure on the core heritage zone, the study recommends restricting visitor numbers—especially in the main pool—implementing a zoning concept to separate entry and exit routes, and better regulating visitor movement. Carrying capacity analysis indicates that the physical capacity is 286 visitors per day, the real capacity is 101 visitors per day, and the practical capacity is only 38 visitors per day. These findings highlight the need for more precise and targeted visitor management strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of Petirtaan Jolotundo as a cultural tourism destination.