The Role of Tourism Awareness Groups In Optimizing the Management of Sumber Sari Tourism Village in Moramo District South Konawe Regency

Abstract

Sumber Sari Village in Moramo District, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province has tourist destinations that are in conservation areas, namely waterfalls, forests with preserved flora and fauna, as well as agro-tourism areas. This study aims to identify the role of tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis) in optimizing the management of Sumber Sari Tourism Village destinations, namely in terms of planning, organizing, mobilizing, and supervising.  Informants are determined purpossively, with secondary data from research articles, books, mass media, and government regulations. The results of the study show that in terms of planning, the tourism village program has been included in the village development plan and involves the community.  In terms of organization, technically the Sumber Sari Tourism Village is managed by Pokdarwis under the supervision of the village government. However, promotion through media channels still needs to be improved.  In terms of mobilization, Pokdarwis has succeeded in motivating the surrounding community to obtain economic benefits from the existence of tourist villages. Meanwhile, the role of Pokdarwis has not been optimal in the aspect of program supervision. Even though the local government handed over the management to Pokdarwis. The obstacles are maintaining the program's sustainability, the lack of cultural branding, and the challenge of arranging infrastructure because the tourist village is located in a conservation forest area.