Strategi Pengelolaan Mupu Rice Terrace Tegallalang Sebagai Daya Tarik Ekowisata Di Kabupaten Gianyar

Abstract

The growing global interest in ecotourism has encouraged the development of nature based tourist attractions that emphasize environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and community involvement. One such attraction is Mupu Rice Terrace Tegallalang in Gianyar Regency, Bali, which has developed from a traditional agricultural landscape into an ecotourism destination while maintaining its primary function as productive farmland. This study aims to analyze the management stages, identify the challenges and opportunities, and examine the management strategies implemented at Mupu Rice Terrace as an ecotourism attraction. A qualitative research approach was employed using observation, interviews, documentation, and literature review. Informants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were analyzed using the interactive model of data analysis. The findings reveal that Mupu Rice Terrace has applied ecotourism principles by integrating traditional agricultural practices, local cultural values, and tourism activities. The main challenges include global climate change, increasing competition from similar attractions in the Tegallalang area, and limitations in supporting facilities. Meanwhile, the growing demand for authentic nature-based tourism presents significant opportunities for destination development. Management strategies focus on preserving traditional farming systems, involving local communities, utilizing digital promotion, implementing modern payment systems, maintaining environmentally friendly facilities, and promoting local products. The study concludes that sustainable ecotourism management can be achieved through a balanced integration of environmental conservation, sociocultural preservation, and economic benefits, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Mupu Rice Terrace as an ecotourism destination.