Tourism sector has involved the role of society in its development process. In this era, tourism holds an important role in raising the economy of a region. If a region has a potential to attract many tourists to come, it would be great for the society’s income. The government must cooperate with local residents in building the tourism potential due to the attractiveness of one tourism destination. Residents facilitate tourists’ needs, such as provide culinary and souvenirs booth, homestay, and held various kind of events. Matters related to tourism potential were discussed at this event which was held by Regional Library and Archives Service (DPAD) Special Region of Yogyakarta and cooperated with Commission D of Field of People’s Welfare on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Balai Desa Jepitu, Girisubo, Gunungkidul.
Wijaya Ladampa as the main speaker and also as the author team from Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar) UGM explained the book in detail. Puspar UGM pays attention to sustainable and responsible tourism development by growing innovation and creativity in developing culture, encouraging the strength of society, independence of local economic, and preserving the environment. Puspar UGM has strengthened the tourism business all over the remote areas, including hundreds locations in mountains, forests, coasts, and small islands.
“This book portrays the rural tourism development which actively sponsored by the nation, on the last three years. Most of the village managers have not yet arranging marketing activities of rural tourism products and its effective strategy. As a short movie, PNPM Mandiri Pariwisata focused on physical arrangement, limited management and capital capacity, and functioned as stimulant for village development. As a result, the manager acts speculatively by monitoring the rural tourism development. This is a quite critical condition being the determinant of the sustainability of rural tourism”, said Wijaya.
Hj. Rany Widayati, S.E., M.M., as a member of Commission D of Field of People’s Welfare, said that the residents in Jepitu, Girisubo, Gunungkidul needed an understanding about rural tourism development related to farming sector. “The main focus of this event is to increasing the people’s understanding through the book ‘Membangun Pariwisata dari Bawah’ as an alternative way to give positive change through social, economy, and culture resources in Desa Jepitu, Girisubo, Gunungkidul”, said Rany.
UGM Press Manager, Dr. I Wayan Mustika, was fully appreciate to this event. “This book was reviewed for the third time among rural community. This book helps the society in building tourism potential from the very beginning. I highly recommend people to read this book, especially the village manager”, said Dr. Wayan. [Adinda]