Eco-spiritual tourism as alternative tourism in Taro Village: Opportunity and challenge

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the opportunities and challenges faced by Taro Village in developing eco-spiritual tourism. The data in this study were collected through observation, interviews with key informants determined based on purposive sampling and documentation. The data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis to obtain a complete picture of the opportunities and challenges faced by Taro Village as a village that develops eco-spiritual tourism. There are various opportunities that have been empowered such as high visits to several objects, support from the government and local communities as religious communities who uphold the sacred value of nature, and the attention of educational institutions realized through training to improve human resources. However, Taro Village still faces various challenges in its development such as the community does not have the same understanding of the vision of the Eco-spiritual village, community involvement has not been maximized because the majority of the community are farmers and consider tourism as a side job, weather with quite high rainfall often hampers tourist activities, which are mostly conducted in the open space, such as activities in traditional villages, in particular "metekap", "melukat", and firefly attractions. From these opportunities and challenges, it can be suggested that Taro Village should identify and evaluate opportunities and challenges on a regular basis, determine the target market with certain demographic characteristics, learning from competitors to improve product quality to compete, Preserving the quality of nature and the readiness of human resources in sustainable tourism in Taro Village.

Pemberdayaan UMKM Berbasis Potensi Alam dalam Menunjang Pengembangan Desa Wisata Taro Menuju Pariwisata Berkelanjutan

“…Desa Wisata Taro telah dikenal di kalangan masyarakat luas sebagai desa wisata eco spiritual yang menonjolkan wisata alam dan budaya. Perkembangan pariwisata di desa wisata Taro yang cukup diminati (Yuni, 2021) Desa Wisata Taro telah dikenal di kalangan masyarakat luas sebagai desa wisata beracorak eco spiritual yang menonjolkan wisata alam dan budaya.…”

“…Perkembangan pariwisata di Desa Wisata Taro yang cukup diminati (Yuni, 2021) belum mampu mengakomodir kebutuhan wisatawan yang datang berkunjung. Produk makanan yang ada di wilayah desa dan dijual warungwarung kecil dianggap belum layak untuk disuguhkan kepada wisatawan baik dari segi rasa, hygiene dan sanitasi serta kemasan.…”

Potential and Strategy for the Development of Pengelukatan Telaga Waja as a Religious Tourism Attraction in Kenderan Tourism Village, Gianyar

“…In addition to meeting recreational needs, the existence of tourist attractions also supports the introduction of regional potent ial in the field of tourism. In this regard, the Bali Provincial Government is promoting the development of penglukatan (selfcleaning and healing) sites through the environment, water, and nature, as well as studying and improving spirituality that is sacred to oneself and the environment (Sari et al, 2022;Sudaryati & Adnyana, 2018;Yuni & Artana, 2021). The religious tourism programme is a way to introduce information believed to be true for generations.…”

Melukat: Exploring the Educational Significance of Purity in Balinese Ritual Practices and Religious Leadership Development

“…The concepts of purity and pollution are deeply embedded in Balinese culture and society and play a crucial role in shaping the behavior and attitudes of the Balinese people. Through Melukat, participants learn about the principles of purity, self-discipline, and self-reflection, which are considered essential for spiritual growth (Astuti et al, 2019;Hynson, 2021;Yuni & Artana, 2021;Purnamawati et al, 2022;Octaviyani et al, 2023).…”