The Perception of Bantul Regency Tourism Office Towards The Development of Surfing Tourist Attractions at Parangtritis Beach, Special Region Of Yogyakarta

¹ Hospitality, Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika, Indonesia
² Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universitas Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia

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Abstract

Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, has surfing tourism potential, as evidenced by the numerous surfing events organized by the Regional Government. This potential is inseparable from the perception that Parangtritis Beach is the mystical area of the Ratu Kidul Kingdom, which is used by several community organizations to carry out the Labuhan tradition. This study aimed to determine the perception of the Bantul Regency Tourism Office in developing surfing tourism. This research is a descriptive qualitative study conducted using data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation. Primary and secondary data were obtained from primary data. Primary data were collected through direct observation, interviews, and documentation, while secondary data were obtained from literature studies, news portals, and data from policymakers. The results of this study show that the Tourism Office supports surfing tourism at Parangtritis Beach. This can be an innovation and a new tourist attraction that can improve the local economy and preserve culture. However, several obstacles exist, including a lack of synergy between government agencies, limited funding, regional spatial planning, and innovation in traditional food and souvenir products.