Integrated and Sustainable Tourism in South Sulawesi
This is a Response to the Pemuda Bersuara Berdaya wikithon
Tourism in South Sulawesi has great potential with various appealing natural and cultural destinations. In recent years, the development and management of tourism in South Sulawesi have made progress. According to the 2022 National Tourism Development Index (IPKN), South Sulawesi ranks 5th. However, several issues must be addressed to make tourism more integrated and sustainable. Key issues include infrastructure development, lack of promotion, environmental preservation, improving human resources (HR), and the social impact on local communities. The following are some of the factors:
1. Tourism Infrastructure Development Adequate infrastructure, such as access roads, public facilities, and transportation, is crucial to support tourism. Tourist destinations in South Sulawesi, such as Tanjung Bira, Toraja, and Selayar, are often difficult to reach due to limited infrastructure. Many tourists have complained about slow or even non-existent internet and cellular networks in some locations. The development of roads, bridges, and basic facilities should be a priority to prevent undesirable incidents such as accidents.
2. Lack of Tourism Promotion The South Sulawesi Culture and Tourism Office acknowledges that the media used for promotion is still limited. As a result, many tourist destinations are not well-known to both local and international communities. The use of social media and digital platforms is not optimal, compounded by inactive social media accounts of the relevant agencies, which prevents the dissemination of information about tourist destinations.
3. Environmental Preservation One of the main challenges faced by tourism in South Sulawesi is environmental preservation. South Sulawesi offers many options for nature tourism, from beaches to mangrove forests. However, unplanned development has led to environmental degradation, including pollution and the loss of flora and fauna. Additionally, there is insufficient awareness or education among the population and industry, leading to practices such as littering, illegal logging, and coral reef destruction.
4. Quality of Human Resources in the Tourism Sector In several areas, such as Tanatoraja Regency, staff at the Tourism Office do not have formal educational backgrounds in tourism. This indicates that many human resources involved in the sector lack the knowledge and skills needed to manage tourism professionally.
Suggestions for the Government: While there have been improvements in various tourism sectors based on my readings, I hope further enhancements and innovations are made in tourism. Here are some suggestions for improvement:
Prioritize Infrastructure Development: Focus on building roads, bridges, and other public facilities that support accessibility to tourist destinations. This includes improving internet and cellular networks in tourist areas. Collaboration with the Private Sector: Engage the private sector in infrastructure development by providing incentives to investors committed to improving tourism infrastructure. Optimize Social Media and Digital Platforms: Increase the use of social media and digital platforms to promote tourist destinations. Create engaging content to reach a broader audience. Integrated Promotion Campaigns: Conduct integrated promotion campaigns involving various stakeholders, including local business owners. Strict Environmental Regulations: Implement and enforce strict regulations related to environmental management in tourism areas, including monitoring developments that could harm ecosystems. Environmental Education: Organize educational programs for local communities and the tourism industry on the importance of environmental preservation. Ongoing Training and Education: Implement ongoing training programs for human resources in the tourism sector, including tour guides, hotel managers, and local entrepreneurs. Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Collaborate with educational institutions to provide curricula relevant to the needs of the tourism industry. I hope the government remains consistent in maintaining tourism, and for those who read my opinion, I apologize if there is any misinformation or excessive commentary. Thank you.
This version reflects the original content accurately while maintaining clarity in English.- Affiliation
- SMA NEGERI 11 MAKASSAR
- Age
- 16-21
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