Public Perceptions of Ecotourism in Bagek Kembar Mangrove Essential Ecosystem Area, Sekotong, West Lombok

Abstract

Bagek Kembar mangrove ecotourism is a new tourist destination. Therefore, further management is needed by involving the public and related parties. In this regard, a study aimed to analyze public perceptions of ecotourism in the mangrove in Bagek Kembar. Public perception data was collected through a questionnaire combined with interviews. Respondents were determined by purposive technique and grouped into the general public, ecotourism managers, and tourists. Research data were analyzed descriptively and inferential statistics. Interpretation of the average value of respondents' perceptions of the Bagek Kembar mangrove ecotourism is grouped into four categories: low, moderately low, moderately high, and high. The results showed that the public perception of the Bagek Kembar mangrove ecotourism is moderately high (average score of 0.60). Meanwhile, the increase in facilities and infrastructure, as well as access to ecotourism, was perceived by respondents as moderately low, with an average score of 0.49 (facilities and infrastructure) and 0.48 (road access to ecotourism). All respondents (100%) stated that the Bagek Kembar mangrove ecotourism must be further managed and developed. Although most respondents (75%) stated that the Bagek Kembar mangrove ecotourism had been well managed