PENGALAMAN REKREASI, POTENSI OBYEK WISATA DAN TINGKAT PERKEMBANGAN LEMBAGA PENGELOLA OBYEK WISATA ALAM BUMI PERKEMAHAN DAN JALUR PENDAKIAN PALUTUNGAN

This research was conducted with the aim of determining the recreation benefit desired by tourists, identifying relationship between the recreation benefit and recreation activities, and setting desired by tourists, identifying and valuing the potential of flora, fauna, and nature or artificial attractions, identifying local community desire for empowering them in the development of nature tourism, and identifying the ability of nature tourism manager in planning, developing and managing tourism objects. Result of this research hopefully can be used to develop the nature tourism management based on tourism experience that tourist want to gain. Hierarchical cluster analysis is used to classify tourists into four types based on the desired benefits of recreation. Then, the parametric or nonparametric statistics is tested to determine differences in activity, the recreational experience / benefit and arrangements between the four types of tourists. Information of potential objects and local community�s perceptions are examined descriptively to support discussion about what the management can do for developing the Palutungan campground and climbing track. And, the Institutional Development Framework instrument is used to determine the development level of management institutions. Research results show the four types of tourist classification based on the their desired recreation benefit or experience. The four types show the difference in activities and needed arrangement to gain desired recreation benefit or experience. Flora with its high diversity along the climbing track, and fauna�s attraction found along the path give supported information for management planning based on tourism experience (Experience Based Management). Local community�s desire to participate in the management will be resource asset to be involved in giving various activities and providing the facilities needed by tourists. The development of management institutions which is still in the level of developing show that both management institutions are still not effectively using resources to produce the nature tourism products and services. The priority should be done are increasing communication and coordination, planning in business plan, creating work culture, promoting and funding, to produce qualified nature tourism products and services