The Impact Of Tourism Development On The Economy Of The Community Around The Efi Garden Tourism Object In Tanah Karo
The Impact of Tourism Development on the Economy of the Community around the Efi Garden Tourism Object in Tanah Karo
Introduction
The Efi Garden, a natural attraction in Tanah Karo, North Sumatra, has undergone significant transformation in recent years. The development of infrastructure and tourism facilities has attracted domestic and foreign tourists, having a positive impact on the economy of the surrounding community. However, behind this economic growth, there are still challenges that need to be overcome. This article aims to discuss the positive impact and challenges of tourism development in the Efi Garden, Tanah Karo, and provide recommendations for improvement.
Positive Impact of Tourism Development in the Efi Garden
The research conducted on 90 respondents, including 40 business actors and 50 tourists, showed an increase in income for businesses in the Efi Garden. This increase can be seen from various types of businesses that have sprung up, ranging from food stalls, souvenir shops, to tour guides. The development of tourism in the Efi Garden has created new economic opportunities for the surrounding community.
Increase in Revenue and New Economic Opportunities
The increase in revenue and new economic opportunities are the most significant positive impacts of tourism development in the Efi Garden. The presence of the Efi Garden Tourism Object has encouraged the emergence of various new businesses oriented to tourism. Increased income is not only felt by existing businesses, but also open new opportunities for the surrounding community.
Increasing the Number of Visitors
Infrastructure development and tourist facilities have increased the appeal of the EFI garden. This has a positive impact on the number of visitors who come, and in turn, increase the turnover of business people. The development of tourism in the Efi Garden has created a multiplier effect, where the increase in visitors has a positive impact on the local economy.
Employment Creation
Increased tourism activities in the Efi Garden have created new jobs for the surrounding community, both in the formal and informal sectors. This helps reduce unemployment and improve people's welfare. The creation of new jobs has also increased the purchasing power of the local community, which has a positive impact on the local economy.
Challenges of Tourism Development in the Efi Garden
Although it has a positive impact on the economy, tourism development in the Efi Garden is still faced with a number of challenges, especially in terms of employment and community involvement.
Low Labor Absorption
Although there is an increase in employment, employment is still relatively low. This is caused by several factors, such as lack of adequate training and education for the surrounding community, so that not all residents are able to fill the available positions.
Limited Community Involvement
Community involvement in managing tourism objects is still limited. This results in the benefits resulting from tourism not yet fully felt by the surrounding community. The lack of community involvement has also led to the exploitation of local resources, which has a negative impact on the environment.
Lack of Infrastructure and Facilities
Although there is an increase in infrastructure, it is still necessary to improve the quality and quantity of tourist facilities, such as lodging, public toilets, and trash bins, to increase visitor comfort. The lack of infrastructure and facilities has also led to the degradation of the environment, which has a negative impact on the local community.
Solutions and Recommendations
To overcome the challenges of tourism development in the Efi Garden, the following solutions and recommendations are proposed:
Improvement of Training and Education
Government and related stakeholders need to provide relevant training and education programs for the surrounding community, so that they have the expertise needed in the tourism sector. This will increase the labor absorption rate and improve the quality of services provided to tourists.
Increasing Community Involvement
The development of tourist attraction management models that involve the community actively needs to be done, so that the benefits of tourism can be enjoyed fairly by all levels of society. This will also increase the sense of ownership and responsibility among the local community towards the tourism development.
Improving the Quality of Infrastructure and Facilities
Improving the quality and quantity of infrastructure and tourist facilities in the EFI garden will increase the attractiveness and comfort of visitors, so that the number of visitors is increasing and has a greater positive impact for the surrounding community. This will also reduce the degradation of the environment and improve the quality of life of the local community.
Conclusion
Tourism development in the Efi Garden has a positive impact on the economy of the surrounding community. However, it is still faced with a number of challenges, especially in terms of employment and community involvement. To overcome these challenges, the government and related stakeholders need to provide relevant training and education programs for the surrounding community, increase community involvement in managing tourism objects, and improve the quality and quantity of tourist facilities. With synergistic efforts from various parties, tourism development in the Efi Garden can continue and have a greater positive impact on the surrounding community. Improving the quality of life, employment opportunities, and community welfare is the main target that must be fought for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Impact of Tourism Development on the Economy of the Community around the Efi Garden Tourism Object in Tanah Karo
Q: What are the positive impacts of tourism development in the Efi Garden?
A: The positive impacts of tourism development in the Efi Garden include an increase in revenue and new economic opportunities, an increase in the number of visitors, and employment creation. These impacts have a positive effect on the local economy and improve the quality of life of the local community.
Q: What are the challenges of tourism development in the Efi Garden?
A: The challenges of tourism development in the Efi Garden include low labor absorption, limited community involvement, and a lack of infrastructure and facilities. These challenges need to be addressed to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared fairly by all levels of society.
Q: How can the government and related stakeholders address the challenges of tourism development in the Efi Garden?
A: The government and related stakeholders can address the challenges of tourism development in the Efi Garden by providing relevant training and education programs for the surrounding community, increasing community involvement in managing tourism objects, and improving the quality and quantity of tourist facilities.
Q: What are the benefits of increasing community involvement in managing tourism objects?
A: Increasing community involvement in managing tourism objects can lead to a greater sense of ownership and responsibility among the local community towards the tourism development. This can also ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared fairly by all levels of society.
Q: How can the local community benefit from tourism development in the Efi Garden?
A: The local community can benefit from tourism development in the Efi Garden by increasing their income, improving their quality of life, and creating new employment opportunities. The local community can also benefit from the increased demand for local products and services.
Q: What are the potential risks of tourism development in the Efi Garden?
A: The potential risks of tourism development in the Efi Garden include over-tourism, which can lead to environmental degradation and social impacts. The local community also needs to be protected from the negative impacts of tourism, such as exploitation and displacement.
Q: How can the government and related stakeholders mitigate the risks of tourism development in the Efi Garden?
A: The government and related stakeholders can mitigate the risks of tourism development in the Efi Garden by implementing sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism and responsible tourism. They can also establish regulations and policies to protect the local community and the environment.
Q: What is the role of the local government in promoting sustainable tourism development in the Efi Garden?
A: The local government has a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism development in the Efi Garden. They can establish policies and regulations to protect the environment and the local community, and provide support and resources to local businesses and communities.
Q: How can the local community participate in sustainable tourism development in the Efi Garden?
A: The local community can participate in sustainable tourism development in the Efi Garden by taking an active role in managing tourism objects, providing local products and services, and promoting their culture and traditions. They can also establish community-based tourism initiatives to benefit from tourism development.
Q: What are the long-term benefits of sustainable tourism development in the Efi Garden?
A: The long-term benefits of sustainable tourism development in the Efi Garden include improved economic benefits, increased community involvement, and a greater sense of ownership and responsibility among the local community. Sustainable tourism development can also lead to a more resilient and sustainable local economy.
Q: How can the government and related stakeholders ensure that the benefits of tourism development in the Efi Garden are shared fairly by all levels of society?
A: The government and related stakeholders can ensure that the benefits of tourism development in the Efi Garden are shared fairly by all levels of society by implementing policies and regulations that promote equity and fairness. They can also establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the impacts of tourism development on the local community.