Abstract:

This research is motivated by the urgency related to the relevance of ecotourism to support the implementation of regional development so that it will have an impact on better management of public resources. In this context, Semarang City has a will to develop the area around the Jatibarang Reservoir as an integrated tourism buffer zone in Semarang City. Jatibarang Reservoir is a project of the Semarang City Government that aims to overcome flooding that often occurs in the city of Semarang. The research questions formulated in this study are: a) How is the tourism potential in Kandri Village? b) How is the readiness of the local community in developing CBT (community-based tourism)? c) How is the social impact on the ecotourism area? d) How is the tourist preference of for ecotourism? e) How is the calculation of the cost and benefits of ecotourism development? and f) How is the strategy for developing local community-based ecotourism? The approach used in this study is qualitative, with the type of research is case study using primary and secondary through observation, interviews and FGD. The results of the study indicate that Kandri Village has physical and non-physical tourism potentials, potential institutions and organizations in the form of BPD, LPMD, PKK, Karang Taruna and POKDARWIS. Readiness and knowledge of the local community towards the development of tourism innovation village is very good, as evidenced by the involvement of all components of the community in the empowerment program through the tourism innovation village. The expectations of local people towards the development of tourism innovation village include the construction of road infrastructure and physical facilities, involvement as a source of livelihood (parking attendants, sellers, souvenir craftsmen, culinary providers, outbound guides, etc.). The social-environmental impact of the development of tourism innovation village is a positive effect, as evidenced by the tree planting program along the river that is used as a tourist attraction. Economic impacts arising from the development of tourism innovation village include the development of local handicrafts, given the opportunity of local people to sell at tourist sites, and provide jobs for some residents such as guides, parking attendants, outbound and camping guides. Tourist preferences focus more on improving road access and facilities. In general, the strategy for developing the Tourism Innovation Village in Kandri is currently focusing on the development of tourism infrastructure and facilities. One of the recommendations proposed is to establish cooperation with private investors in order to develop tourism potential in Kandri Tourism Innovation Village with mutually beneficial patterns of cooperation.