Nilai Ekonomi Objek Taman Wisata Sungai Mudal Menggunakan Metode Individual Travel Cost Method: The Economic Value of Mudal River Tourist Park Objects Using the Individual Travel Cost Method

The Sungai Mudal Tourism Park is situated in Banyunganti Hamlet, Jatimulyo Village, Girimulyo District, Kulon Progo Regency. This destination showcases ecotourism, emphasizing the natural beauty of the Menoreh mountains and water-based activities as its primary attractions. This study aims to analyze tourist characteristics and determine the potential economic value of Mudal River's natural allure. The potential economic value is calculated via consumer surplus using the Individual Travel Cost Method (ITCM). Tourist characteristics, including age, gender, occupation, income, and distance, are analyzed based on primary data gathered through interviews, observations, and questionnaires, supplemented by secondary data from literature. The findings reveal that Mudal River Tourism Park mostly attracts male visitors (50,9%), drawn to its adventurous offerings. The majority are students aged 15-25 with income levels mostly below Rp1.000.000. Most visitors reside within a distance of 0-50 km, primarily originating from Yogyakarta City. The calculated economic potential value of Sungai Mudal Tourism Park reaches IDR Rp 23.257.628.649,27 per year, averaging IDR 346.634,25 per individual annually in consumer surplus. However, the actual economic value recorded in 2022 stands at IDR 7.052.230.000 which represents 30% of the total potential economic value. This indicates that tourists visiting Sungai Mudal Tourism Park obtain environmental service benefits surpassing the incurred costs. Yet, this potential economic value is non-monetary. Effective management strategies for Sungai Mudal Tourism Park are necessary to enhance the actual economic value of tourism