OPTIMALISASI SEKTOR PARIWISATA PETIK APEL DI DESA BULUKERTO MELALUI COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM (CBT)

Muhamad Alsafik Ruhunussa, 202210050311151, Optimizing the apple picking tourism sector in bulukerto village through Community Based Tourism, Supervisor : Ali Roziqin, M. PA

ABSTRACT
This research examines the optimization of the apple-picking tourism sector in Bulukerto Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, through the Community Based Tourism (CBT) approach. The background of this study is based on the critical condition of apple-picking tourism, which faces declining production, pest attacks, and weak community-based governance. These issues have impacted the economic income of lokal communities, especially apple farmers, thus requiring sustainable tourism development strategies that actively involve community participation.
The research applies a qualitative approach with data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The main informants include the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), farmer groups, and the Bulukerto Village Government. The findings reveal that community participation in decision-making and tourism management still needs improvement. The village government has acted as a facilitator, yet cross-sectoral collaboration remains limited. The CBT concept proves relevant as it emphasizes lokal empowerment, cultural preservation, and economic sustainability.
Based on the research findings, several strategic recommendations are proposed, including enhancing community capacity through training and mentoring, strengthening the institutional role of Pokdarwis as the main tourism manager, and fostering more intensive collaboration between the community, village government, and tourism stakeholders. Through CBT-based optimization, apple-picking tourism in Bulukerto Village is expected not only to improve farmers’ welfare but also to preserve lokal identity and ensure sustainable village tourism development.

Keywords: Community Based Tourism, Community Participation, Bulukerto Village, Apple-Picking Tourism, Empowerment.