Identifikasi Potensi Pengembangan Kawasan Ekowisata Rainforest Lodges Kedah Kabupaten Gayo Lues Provinsi Aceh

Abstract

The diversity of natural resources owned by Aceh Province is classified as very diverse, ranging from the potential beauty of natural panoramas and flora and fauna to rainforest areas that are attractive to domestic and foreign tourists. Forestry-based ecotourism has the potential to become one of the leading sectors in the tourism industry, which always needs to be developed and improved. Ecotourism Rainforest Lodges Kedah Gayo Lues, which is directly adjacent to GunungLeuser National Park. The purpose of this research is to map the potential attractions, amenities, and accessibility of the area and to analyze the development strategy of the Rainforest Lodges Kedah ecotourism area, Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh Province. The research methods used are spatial analysis to map the distribution of attractions and SWOT analysis to analyze ecotourism area development strategies. The results of the study show that the potential attractions, amenities, and accessibility of the area have unique natural resources in the form of beautiful flora and fauna as well as a clear river flow. Tourism activities that can be carried out include enjoying the beauty of nature, available facilities, research and education, and sports activities such as outbound rides. In addition, in one day, the area can accommodate as many as 1,642 people. Identification of SWOT internal and external factors shows the position of the ecotourism area development strategy is in quadrant one (I) of the SWOT matrix, which is a very favorable position where Rainforest Lodges Kedah Ecotourism has opportunities and strengths so that existing opportunities can be utilized to the fullest. This position also allows for the implementation of strategies that support aggressive growth policies.