Improving Environmental and Cultural Carrying Capacity to Sustainably Develop Soge Beach in Pacitan Regency Indonesia

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) determine the environmental carrying capacity of Soge Beach tourism, (2) determine the cultural carrying capacity of Soge Beach tourism, and (3) develop a sustainable strategy of Soge Beach tourism. The research design used descriptive research and mix method analysis (quantitative and qualitative). Data involved primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with tourism management, tourists, entrepreneurs in Soge Beach and the surrounding area. Secondary data came from the statistical data of the Pacitan Regency government. Data analysis employed qualitative and quantitative analysis. Data analysis also used SWOT to determine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of Soge Beach's development. Research results showed high potential of environmental and cultural carrying capacity for sustainable Soge Beach development. Development strategies referred to SWOT analysis to reduce weaknesses by increasing cultural and environmental carrying capacity and improving existing opportunities.