Economic Recovery of Coastal Communities Post COVID-19 Through Marine Ecotourism Management in Wongsorejo, Banyuwangi (case study: Grand Watudodol Beach)

Abstract

Banyuwangi is known for its abundant natural, coastal, and marine resources potential. The existence of tourism potential in each region as well as tourism sector development policies make Banyuwangi a global region in the tourism sector. The tourism sector is the leading sector of economic growth in Banyuwangi to contribute to a source of national income. For the national maritime industry, Banyuwangi marine tourism has the opportunity to be developed in a sustainable manner. One of them is the coastal district of Wongsorejo Banyuwangi which has many marine tourism destinations along its coastline. However, COVID-19 pandemic since 2020 until now continues to reduce the economic conditions on the Wongsorejo coastal. So, using Fault Tree Analysis method, a study of the reasons behind the decreasing economic conditions in the marine ecotourism management industry was conducted. The findings revealed a total of 6 factors. The primary issues identified are the poor quality of human resources and the lack of innovation in utilizing the potential of marine ecotourism in a sustainable. The solution is ecotourism management, which involves community and stakeholder empowerment, mapping the potential of marine ecotourism and its protected areas, implementing integrated tourism destination programs to promote equity, and providing training.