The Potential of Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara Province

Abstract

Komodo National Park is a natural tourist destination that act as a magnet tourism for local and foreign tourists in East Nusa Tenggara Province. Referred as one of Wonders of world not only because of the presence of the ancient Komodo dragon but also supported by its beautiful underwater scenery. The study aims to uncover the extension of Komodo National Park's role and contribution to regional development, as well as its obstacles on tourism development using qualitative research methods with a descriptive approach. The results indicate that Komodo National Park has high possibility in increasing regional income and the development of East Nusa Tenggara, there are also several other potential destinations but not only have not been managed optimally but also has its own policies to do not involve the local community in managing tourist destinations. Furthermore, in practice of tourism the authorities must also pay close attention to the principles of local community participation, local cultural rights, aspects of resource conservation, education and training, promotion, and monitoring and evaluation.