Analysis of the feasibility of the Sei Bah Bolon rafting ecotourism object, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra Province

Abstract

Ecotourism is an embodiment of tourism activities that are focused on nature conservation, development and social, cultural and economic empowerment of the local community in the Sei Bah Bolon Rafting Ecotourism area. In order to optimally develop ecotourism in the region, a strategy for planning, utilization, control, institutional strengthening and community empowerment is needed by taking into account social, economic, ecological principles and involving stakeholders. This study aims to identify potential tourism objects and assess the level of feasibility of developing ecotourism objects for Sei Bah Bolon River Rafting Ecotourism, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra Province. Data collection during the research was carried out by collecting data by direct observation and interviews. The variables analyzed in this study refer to the ADO-ODTWA Director General PHKA 2003 Guidelines for Analysis of Operational Areas of Natural Tourism Objects and Attractions and the Potential Development Strategy with the SWOT Matrix. The potential objects and attractions of the Sei Bah Bolon Rafting Ecotourism get a feasibility level with an index of 88.17% feasible to be developed into ecotourism.