Local Potential Based Tourism Development Management Strategy in the Island Cluster in the Spermonde Region in Pangkajene and Islands Regency in South Sulawesi

Abstract

The island cluster area in the Spermonde Islands, Pangkajene and Kepulauan Regency, South Sulawesi, holds a wealth of unique and diverse local potential, ranging from the beauty of marine nature to the culture of coastal communities. However, this potential has not been fully managed optimally in supporting sustainable tourism development. This study aims to formulate a tourism development management strategy based on local potential in the island cluster in the Spermonde Region, Pangkajene and Kepulauan Regency, South Sulawesi. This study uses a qualitative - quantitative approach. The research location was conducted in Liukang Tuppabiring District, Liukang Tuppabiring Utara District, Liukang Kalmas District and Liukang Tangaya District. The selection of locations was based on tourism potential and community involvement in tourism activities. The population in this study were all parties involved or had a role in developing tourism based on local potential in the island cluster of the Spermonde region, Pangkajene and Kepulauan Regency. This population includes local governments, tourism destination managers, community leaders, local tourism business actors, and local communities living in the island cluster. The sample was taken purposively consisting of government officials who handle tourism, community leaders or village heads in the island cluster area, tourism business actors, representatives of the community who live and depend on local potential. Data collection techniques through field observation, in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. The analysis was carried out qualitatively interactively and SWOT analysis to formulate a development strategy that is in accordance with the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by the research area. To ensure data validity, source and method triangulation techniques were used, namely comparing data from various sources and different data collection techniques. The findings show that the strategy that can be used by the local government as management is an aggressive strategy (SO Strategy) which includes: (1). Develop ecotourism packages based on local culture and unique nature, supported by local human resources, to reach domestic and international tourist markets. (2) Use proximity to Makassar as a selling point for easily accessible and environmentally friendly one-day trips. (3) Collaborate with NGOs and universities to develop local human resource training programs and digital-based tourism promotions. (4) Build a digital platform for tourism promotion and booking, showcasing the uniqueness of nature, culture, and community involvement. With this strategy, the Spermonde Island Cluster can become a model for tourism development that is not only economically attractive, but also preserves the environment and strengthens local cultural identity. The urgency of this research lies in the importance of developing contextual and participatory strategies, so that tourism development not only increases tourist visits, but also has a real impact on the welfare of local communities and the sustainability of natural potential.