Principles of Community Participation in the Development of Tourist Destinations through the Tourism Awareness Group Program

Abstract

This study aims to determine the implementation of the principles of community participation in the development of tourist destinations. The research method used is a qualitative approach with descriptive research type to collect data obtained through observation, interview, and documentation techniques. The data analysis process includes data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of research on the principles of participation, namely the scope of participation, equality and partnership, transparency, equality of authority, equal responsibility, empowerment, and cooperation show that there is a community participation approach taken by the government through the formation of Tourism Awareness Groups, the government places the community as partners to encourage regional tourism development by inviting community participation through tourism awareness groups. The role of the government is more directing as a facilitator and regulator in terms of increasing community human resources. The Tourism Awareness Group helps facilitate deliberations so that land disputes do not occur. Apart from that, the arrangement is also deliberated at the village community level. In addition, the responsibility of the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) as a representation of community participation in tourism development is to foster community attitudes and support for tourism development. Through community participation, they can maximize their handicrafts such as Boyong which has become famous at low prices. The training provided receives assistance from WWF so that empowerment can be optimized because it opens up space for all parties to participate. The empowerment aspect can be carried out well by collaborating in synergy with various parties such as the government, the community through pokdarwis, and also NGOs.