ASSESSING THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL, FEASIBILITY AND VISITOR ASSESSMENT IN THE SIPINSUR GEOSITE NATURAL TOURISM AREA, TOBA CALDERA GLOBAL GEOPARK, INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims to examine the potential of tourism objects, development feasibility, visitor assessment of aspects of travel satisfaction, services and conditions of infrastructure, as well as visitor participation in conservation and the environment. This research was conducted using the analysis method of Analysis of Operation Areas of Natural Tourism Objects and Attractions (AOA-NTOA) and descriptive analysis using survey and interview methods. The research instrument used is the Guidelines for AOA-NTOA issued by the Director General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation, Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. The results showed that Sipinsur Nature Tourism has three potentials, namely; 1) The beauty of natural scenery with a cool mountain microclimate, the diversity of various types of aesthetic flora and fauna, namely various species of aesthetic trees such as Sumatran pine (Pinus merkusii) and red shoot tree (Syzygium oleana), various palms, and flower plants; 2) Various exotic fauna such as wild cats and eagles; 3) Camping ground area as a center for adventure tourism activities. The results of the development feasibility analysis were declared feasible to be developed into a more developed tourist attraction with an average feasibility index of 73.98%. Visitors' assessment of the aspect of travel satisfaction shows that the majority visit more than 1 time and disseminate information to other parties. The majority of visitors (80.1%) get information about Sipinsur’s natural attractions from friends/relatives. The majority of visits were carried out in groups (96%), namely with groups of friends/professionals 56.56% and family (42.42%). As many as 78.78% of visitors make Sipinsur the main destination, with the most visit duration between 2-4 hours (34.34%). In the aspect of visitor assessment of the service and condition of facilities and infrastructure of tourism objects, the majority of visitors rate like/interested/good, some rate very like/very good/very interested, and only a few rate less good / less attractive on the overall assessment indicators. For the aspect of visitor participation in conservation and the environment, it shows that the majority of visitors reject various irresponsible behaviors and actions and are willing to participate in conservation efforts and preservation of the surrounding environment. The development feasibility analysis was declared feasible to be developed into a more developed tourist attraction. Assessment of tourism satisfaction aspects shows that the majority visit more than once and disseminate information to other parties. The majority of visitors like and have a good impression of aspects of service, facilities, and infrastructure. For the aspect of participation in conservation and the environment, it shows that the majority of visitors are aware of the responsibility and willing to participate.