Community Empowerment through Enhancement of Pule Payung Tourist Spot Potential in Soropati, Hargotirto, Kokap, Kulon Progo, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Abstract

Abstract. This article presents a community service initiative focused on enhancing the potential of Pule Payung, a significant tourist destination in Indonesia, through community empowerment and the strategic use of information technology in tourism promotion. Recognizing the challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited understanding of sustainable tourism management, the program provided a series of training and workshops for the local community, including basic IT training, social media and digital platform workshops, TikTok training, and photography and videography training. A sustainable Information Technology Management Team was also formed as part of the service. These efforts were evaluated through continuous mentoring and feedback sessions to ensure their effectiveness. The initiative resulted in the creation of effective digital content for promoting Pule Payung, with the local community playing an active role. The service project showcases the potential of combining community empowerment and digital technology to augment tourism, yielding broader economic, social, and environmental benefits for local communities and the wider Indonesian society.