Community Perceptions of Natural Resource-Based Tourism Development in Ngoro-Oro Village

Gunungkidul Regency in the Special Region of Yogyakarta currently has an impressive development in terms of tourism. Part of the Gunungkidul area is also part of a geopark designated by UNESCO, which has become a tourist destination. However, the management of geosites as tourist destinations has not been prioritized as aspects of the geosite as a geological heritage full of earth scientific knowledge. The village of Ngoro-oro, as a buffer area for the ancient Nglanggeran volcano, has enormous potential to develop geo-based tourism. Through surveys and in-depth interviews, this article measures the community’s perception of the development of natural resource-based tourism, especially geology.  The measurement of perception parameters is seen from knowledge, such as the concept of special interest tourism, ecotourism, geotourism, natural resource potential, sociocultural potential, attractions, and stakeholders involvements, along with the aspect of awareness. The aspect of awareness is seen through the benefits felt by the community, negative impacts, and factors that influence tourism development in Ngoro-oro. Based on the survey results, it was known that 35% of respondents understood the concepts of special interest tourism and ecotourism, while 30% of respondents understood the concept of geotourism, and 65% of respondents were able to identify the potential of natural resource-based and sociocultural tourism in the area. There were 52% of respondents also understand the attractions that can be developed to support tourism. The stakeholders who play a role in tourism development in this area were identified as 6, namely Tourism Awareness Groups, Village Owned Enterprises (BUMDES), Jurug Gedhe Tourism Services Cooperative, youth group (Karangtaruna), Village Government, and the community. Based on the awareness aspect, only 39% stated that tourism activities benefited the community, and 13% stated that tourism activities had a negative impact.