UPAYA PARADIPLOMASI PEMERINTAH KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI DALAM EVENT INTERNATIONAL TOUR DE BANYUWANGI IJEN

This study aims to identify the paradiplomacy efforts of the Banyuwangi Regency Government through the implementation of the International Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen (ITdBI). In the era of globalization, local governments are required to play an active role in international relations to achieve their strategic regional interests, particularly in the case of Banyuwangi Regency, which aspires to become a global tourism destination. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection techniques through interviews with various stakeholders involved. This study uses an analytical framework based on the concept of city branding by Mihalis Kavaratzis, which emphasizes analytical, strategic, participatory, and implementation phases, as well as the concept of paradiplomacy by Alexander S. Kuznetsov, which includes the dimensions of networking, lobbying, and partnership. The findings show that the paradiplomacy efforts carried out by the Banyuwangi Regency Government in this event are implemented through the mapping of strategic regional potentials, the promotion of culture and tourism throughout the event, the development of international networks with athletes, and the establishment of cooperation with the international institution Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). In addition, the local government also optimizes collaborative efforts through the involvement of the community and all government agencies as part of a strategy for promoting regional tourism at the global level.