Ecotourism Development Strategy In Tracking Path of Negeri Suah- Tongkoh , North Sumtera

Abstract

Tracking path of Negeri Suah-Tongkoh has potential of ecotourism attractions. This region has long been used by nature lovers in North Sumatera for basic training. There are some activities that conducted in basic training such as tracking, rafting, tubing, camping, climbing, community service and conservation by doing tree planting along the entrance of Negeri Suah village. However, there is no development strategy in this region. The main objective of this research was to formulate strategies in developing ecotourism attraction in tracking path of Negeri Suah-Tongkoh. This study was conducted in tracking path of Negeri Suah-Tongkoh for two months from June 2011 to August 2011. This research used field observation and depth interview, including content analysis, analysis of the operational area of natural tourism objects and attractions, stakeholder analysis, and SWOT analysis. The research result showed that potential ecotourism attractions in tracking path of Negeri Suah-Tongkoh consists of: a. landscape attractions (Lau Jabi, Lau Malem, Ketaruman peak), b. plant attraction (Anoetochillus reinwardtii orchid, kantung semar, and the Coelogyne xyrekes orchids), and c. animal attraction(Cica Daun Sayap Biru (Chloropsis sp), Viper snake species, and Labi-labi (Trionyx sp)). The research result in stakeholder analysis showed that there are 11 stakeholder involved in ecotourism development in tracking path of Negeri Suah-Tongkoh consists of UPT. Tahura Bukit Barisan, the community of Negeri Suah (represented by the village head), Camat Sibolangit, tourism department of Deli Serdang district, tourism department of Tanah Karo district, as keyplayer, KPA Jerami, Forestry Department of USU as the subject, forest department of Deli Serdang district and forest department of Tanah Karo district as a context setter, and Mapala Parintal and Kompas as a crowd. The position of ecotourism development strategy in SWOT analysis situated in quadrant 1 that used SO strategy (strength opportunity). The strategy consists of a. ecological and education tourism development supported by the existence of the forest education of University of North Sumatra in Tahura Bukit Barisan, b. special interest tourism tour package that are supported by tourism department of Deli Serdang and Tanah Karo district as an effort to increase revenue from tourism sector, c. Negeri Suah village as part of special interest tourism tour package d. education and training that give to community of Negeri Suah regarding the management of ecotourism.