Evaluation of Ecotourism Management in Tangkahan Ecotourism Region, National Park of Mount Leuser in North Sumatera

The rapid development of ecotourism is currently not accompanied by control efforts as at the moment some activities of ecotourism can degrade natural resources. Hence, the development of a set of warning indicators that can serve as a reminder in ecotourism management is indispensable. The purpose of this study was to develop an ecotourism evaluation tool based on criteria and indicators. A set of criteria and indicator was then used to assess ecotourism management of the Tangkahan Ecotourism Area Mount Leuser National Park, North Sumatera. Literature study on ecotourism evaluation was conducted to compile a set of criteria and indicators. Indicator weighting in this study was given by stakeholders of Tangkahan and ecotourism experts and was analyzed using a pairwise comparison method. Field and document study was conducted to assess ecotourism management activities. For visitor and local community perception, interview and questionnaires were carried out with a sample size of 100 persons each. This study showed the strength and the weakness of ecotourism management in Tangkahan. The participatory collaboration of local communities in ecotourism management and tourism potential is a strength that distinguishes Tangkahan from other ecotourism areas. As for the weaknesses, interpretation activities require quality enhancement that can be achieved by providing a new variety of interpretation along with better planning and monitoring of the activities. The management was also still unable to implement conservation activities for local heritage and needs to improve institutional administration. Promotional activities were also still insufficient, thus institution based cooperation is needed to increase the quality of promotion.