STRATEGI PENINGKATAN JUMLAH PENGUNJUNG DI WISATA ALAM EMBUNG SAWAH LULUI BONCAH GODANG DALAM UPAYA PENGEMBANGANNYA MENUJU EKOWISATA DI NAGARI TANJUANG BUNGO

Sari

Abstract
Embung Sawah Lului Boncah Godang is a relatively new natural tourist location still in the process of development towards ecotourism in the Nagari Tanjuang Bungo. This research aims to identify the factors related to the increase in the number of visitors and determine strategies that can be employed to enhance visitor numbers. The research methodology used is qualitative. The selection of research informants was done purposively and included the Nagari Tanjuang Bungo village head, the head of Jorong Korek Hilia, the chairman, and seven members of Pokdarwis Boncah Godang. Data collection techniques involved observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis was directed towards a SWOT analysis.The results of this research revealed that the factors influencing the increase in visitor numbers and the strategies to enhance visitor numbers include both internal and external factors. Internal factors comprise government support, community involvement, the natural beauty and attraction of the tourism site (ODTWA), potential for development, inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, cleanliness, and the knowledge of Pokdarwis members. External factors encompass ease of promotion, lack of competitors, challenging road access, the impact of pandemics, and natural disasters. Alternative strategies to boost visitor numbers include harnessing government support to improve promotion and the attractiveness of ODTWA, increasing community involvement in promotional efforts, developing appealing potentials as the main attraction for visitors, as well as mitigating the impact of natural disasters by involving the local community. Additionally, providing local transportation to overcome difficult road access, adhering to health protocols, promoting existing infrastructure, and focusing on cleanliness and aesthetics are considered crucial strategies to attract visitors. Efforts to increase the knowledge and involvement of Pokdarwis members are also deemed essential to increase the number of visitors to the natural tourist destination.
Keywords: strategy, natural tourism, qualitative, purposive, SWOT.