The Development of River Ecotourism in the Production of Urban Economic Space

Abstract

This study aims at explaining river ecotourism in the production of urban economic space in solving the economic problems of riverbank communities. This study uses a mixed method approach with a dominant qualitative, less prevalent quantitative scheme, mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 17 informants and survey/census on 40 respondents who are active in river ecotourism operations. The results show the formation of river ecotourism has changed the community's economy from a weak economy to a better one. The relationship between "duration of work in ecotourism operations" (variable X) and "level of income earned" (variable Y) has a correlation coefficient of 0.505> 0.320 at a significance level of 0.001 <0.005 indicating that the relationship between the two is "moderate". The sustainability of ecotourism must be carried out and become the concern of all parties including central, regional and village governments, as well as those involved in the formation of tourism space because river ecotourism opens indirectly the way for improving the economy of riverbank communities. This research is quite unique because it can turn ecosystem problems into an advantage.

Keywords

• river ecotourism development
• urban economic space production
• mixed methods
• riverbank communities