Analysis of Development and Promotion Strategies for Ecotourism Sites in Alas Purwo National Park

Abstract

Alas Purwo National Park, on the southeastern tip of Java Island, is one of the most important conservation areas in Indonesia with an area of 44,037 hectares, which is included in the UNESCO Blambangan Biosphere Reserve. The park offers a diversity of ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests, savannas, to mangrove forests, and is home to rare species such as the Javanese banteng, leopard, and green peacock. In addition, Alas Purwo is also known as an ecotourism destination, with G-Land Beach attracting international surfers and Ngagelan Beach being a center for turtle conservation. However, despite its great potential, tourism development in Alas Purwo faces challenges of limited infrastructure, difficult road access, and ineffective promotion. Another challenge is maintaining a balance between tourism and conservation, as increasing numbers of tourists can put pressure on the environment. Therefore, an integrated approach involving the government, local communities and tourism industry players is essential for the development of sustainable ecotourism. Environmentally friendly infrastructure, better access, as well as promotion through digital media will help overcome these challenges. In addition, empowering local communities through training and active participation in tourism management can ensure that economic benefits are felt directly, while preserving the environment. This study aims to identify the potential for tourism development in Alas Purwo and formulate strategies that can be applied to improve sustainable ecotourism. With these steps, it is hoped that Alas Purwo can develop into a leading ecotourism destination that provides positive economic and environmental impacts, while preserving existing biodiversity. The results of this research are expected to make a real contribution to more effective and sustainable tourism planning in the region.