Strategy for ecotourism development Bontang Mangrove Park of East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia

Subagio, Ayu Dwi Novitasari and Ekowati, Titik and Purwanti, Frida (2025) Strategy for ecotourism development Bontang Mangrove Park of East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 26 (3). pp. 1493-1500. ISSN 2581-9615

Bontang Mangrove Park (BMP) is part of the Kutai National Park area that is used for tourism activities. The BMP develop in 2018, while tourism development has not been based on scientific data, so a comprehensive and sustainable ecotourism development strategy is needed. This study aims to analyze formulate a sustainable ecotourism development strategy for Bontang Mangrove Park. The study employs a descriptive method with a case study approach to examine the conditions and management of ecotourism at Bontang Mangrove Park. Data the respondents consists of 3 local communities (choosen using snowball sampling) and relevant institutions (9 key informan). Data was collected through observation, interviews, and literature review. Data analysis used the SWOT-based development strategy and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. The research results indicate that the development strategy based on SWOT analysis places Bontang Mangrove Park in an aggressive approach (SO), leveraging strengths and opportunities through educational promotion, conservation tourism development, and integrated tourism packages. The AHP results indicate priority strategies in social media promotion, conservation participation, provision of educational and inclusive facilities, and photography tourism, to support sustainable and participatory ecotourism management.