THE MANAGEMENT OF BANGSRING UNDERWATER AS CONSERVATION - BASED ECOTOURISM FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISM DESTINATION

Abstract

Bangsring Underwater site has high potential of ecotourism attraction for international tourists. The purpose of this study was to determine 1) the potential of Bangsring Underwater ecotourism based on attractions, accessibility, amenities, and 2) Bangsring underwater management as conservation-based ecotourism for the international tourist destination. The research design used qualitative descriptive methods. The primary data were obtained from observations and focus group discussions (FGD) with related parties, while secondary data obtained from government agencies, institutions, and communities in the Banyuwangi Regency. The data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that Bangsring underwater has high potential in attractions, accessibility, amenities, and 2) the management of Bangsring underwater can make the place an ecotourism destination for international tourists. Furthermore, it is recommended that the alternative policies are needed to create conservation-based ecotourism for international tourist destinations.

Keywords

• ecotourism
• conservation-based
• international tourist destinations