Community-Based Mangrove Tourism Object Development in Kampung Nipah, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

The mangrove ecosystem with its uniqueness is a natural resource that has the potential to be used as a tourist destination. Kampung Nipah Mangrove Beach in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia, is community-based tourism that has been managed sustainably and has the potential to become a source of prosperity for the community. This study aimed to analyze visitor assessments, the economic value of the existence of tourist objects, the intensity of visits, and factors that affect the intensity of visits at The Mangrove Beach of Kampung Nipah. Through this research, ratings were generated on various aspects of the management of tourist objects according to visitor assessments (such as natural beauty, security, spatial planning, facilities, and accessibility). The economic value of the existence of ecosystem-based tourism objects is obtained with the travel cost method (TCM) approach. The magnitude of the economic value illustrates the extent to which community-based mangrove tourism objects create spending from visitors, most of which becomes income for the communities involved. This study also produced information on the intensity of visits and factors influencing the intensity of visitors to travel. The results of this study are an important reference for managers and related stakeholders to improve services, attractiveness, and development of tourism object management.