Prospect of Natural Ecotourism Cluster Around the Great Mosque Islamaic Centre of Rokan Hulu, Riau Province, Indonesia.

Abstract

Ecotourism is an environmentally activities of seeing, watching, studying, admiring nature, flora and fauna, socio-cultural local ethnic,take responsibility for the preservation of the surrounding environment by involving local residents. Rokan Hulu is a regency in Riau Province, with population livelihoods in agriculture 52.42%, industry 11.49%, trade 7.14% and other sectors 28.95%. Ecotourism is not yet the economic backbone of this area. But this area has potential in that direction. This study aimed to analyse the prospect of some natural ecotourism objects located within reach of the iconic Great Mosque Islamic Centre (GMIC) Rokan Hulu. Using the survey method, the respondents were selected through a purposive sampling method. Respondents were local community, tourists, tourism businesses and other stakeholders. The data obtained was associated with the concept of 4A (attraction, amenity, accessibility, and ancillary service). Followed by a SWOT analysis, WTA (willing to accept) and WTP (willing to pay), and a descriptive analysis of economic potential. At least there were 3 ecotourism objects within the reach of GMIC of Rokan Hulu, namely Sipogas Lake Ecotourism, Hapanasan Hot Spring and Huta Sikapir Cave Ecotourism. Based on SWOT, WTA and WTP analysis, it was concluded that the objects have the economic potential to be developed as a natural ecotourism. It is recommended that the GMIC be the main icon tourism in this regency and while some other supporting tourism objects will naturally be developed.