Challenges and Opportunities of using DMO as the Sustainable Tourism Drivers in Belitung, Indonesia (original) (raw)

2020, Seminar Internasional 8th ITSA Biennial Conference Culture, People, and Technology the Driving Forces for Tourism Cities

The most concerning thing regarding tourism destination management is that the tourism development plan has not been based on a long-term vision that contains the spirit of sustainable tourism. On the other hand, many tourism destinations are managed for a short- term benefit. In recent tourism concept, DMOs (destination marketing and/or management organizations) have been widely acknowledge as an important entity in managing a destination. Many of tourism destination around the world have been implementing this concept in managing their tourism destination. In destinations with traditional management, DMOs provide local services to visitors and fulfill destination marketing functions. Meanwhile, to meet the demand aspect, DMO activities focus on image and reputation development, product packaging, sales and distribution management. In the supply aspect, the DMO is involved in various functions, including providing information services, being the coordinator between tourism SMEs, providing infrastructure or support and of course having a role in destination planning. However, despite of its importance, various problems in the implementation occurs. One destination that continues to increase in popularity in Indonesia is Belitung Island. This island has enormous natural resources such as tin, making this island one of the tin producers that contribute greatly to Regional Original Income (PAD). The natural beauty of Belitung Island is also the main attraction for tourists so that this area was chosen to be one of the 10 tourism destinations that will be a priority for tourist visits. The growth in the tourism industry has made the implementation of sustainable development in the tourism sector is becoming increasingly significant for all stakeholders. The problem regarding this situation is who will be the person or organization in charge that responsible for ensuring the implementation of sustainable tourism concept. DMO has already been established in this destination however its effectiveness still has to be increased. This research is qualitative in nature, by exploring the possibility of implementing sustainable tourism principles more effectively by using DMO as the coordinator in the destination. The primary data collection techniques were using interviews, group discussions and observations. Meanwhile the secondary data sources were taken from various sources, mainly from Belitung Tourism Office. The result of this research revealed that DMO can be the right entity to be the sustainable tourism drivers in Belitung. However, there are many challenges and opportunities that have to be addressed in order to make it effective.