Analysis of the Suitability and Carrying Capacity of Marine and Coastal Tourism on Tunda Island, Banten Province

Abstract

Tourism suitability serves as a critical indicator for assessing the feasibility of optimal tourism development within specific coastal environments, considering different tourism categories. This research focuses on Tunda Island, renowned for its picturesque seascapes, diverse biota, and pristine white sand beaches. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain the suitability and carrying capacity of marine tourism activities on Tunda Island.Data collection encompassed both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through on-site field observations conducted in 2023, involving direct measurements and assessments. Secondary data was derived from research conducted in 2019. The research findings revealed varying levels of suitability within different tourism categories. In the beach recreation category, tourism suitability index values exceeding 2.0 classified the areas as S2 (suitable). The determined carrying capacity for this category stands at 45 people per day. For snorkeling and diving tourism, only one out of six observation stations, specifically station 4, achieved an S2 category classification with suitability indices of 2.03 and 2.18 for snorkeling and diving, respectively. The carrying capacity for snorkeling and diving tourism in this area is estimated to be 3881 individuals per day. Conversely, the seagrass and mangrove categories yielded unsatisfactory results, as the suitability index values fell below 2.0.