The research matters as many regional destinations across Indonesia struggle to balance rising visitor demand with infrastructure limits, environmental preservation, and local economic benefits. Suban Hot Springs offers a practical case showing how natural attractions can grow without losing their ecological and cultural identity.
Regional Tourism Faces Structural Challenges
Natural tourism remains a cornerstone of regional development strategies in Indonesia. Hot springs, waterfalls, and forest-based attractions draw visitors while creating jobs for surrounding communities. However, inconsistent visitor numbers and uneven facility quality often undermine long-term growth.
Suban Hot Springs, located near Curup City, is one of Bengkulu’s most recognizable natural attractions. The area features multiple natural hot pools, scenic waterfalls, and a cool mountain environment. Despite these assets, official tourism records indicate fluctuating visitor numbers over recent years, signaling structural weaknesses in management and strategy.
This situation prompted researchers from Universitas Bengkulu to examine not only what Suban Hot Springs has, but how it is managed and how external pressures affect its future.
Research Design in Plain Terms
The study used a descriptive quantitative approach, combining field observations with structured questionnaires. A total of 60 respondents participated, including tourism officials, site managers, local traders, residents, and visiting tourists.
Rather than focusing solely on visitor satisfaction, the researchers evaluated the destination’s overall strategic position using a SWOT framework. This approach allowed them to map internal conditions—such as natural resources and facilities—against external dynamics like competition, technology, and cultural change.
Internal Strengths Outweigh Existing Weaknesses
The findings show that Suban Hot Springs holds a strong internal position. Respondents consistently rated the site’s natural features and accessibility highly.
Key internal strengths identified include:
- Naturally occurring hot springs with health-related appeal
- Proximity to urban areas and main transportation routes
- Affordable prices for food and local services
- A welcoming attitude from surrounding communities
On average, internal strength indicators scored above 3.3 on a four-point scale, indicating that Suban Hot Springs has a solid foundation for growth.
However, the research also highlights operational gaps. Supporting facilities such as sanitation, worship spaces, rest areas, and telecommunications infrastructure were rated as underdeveloped. These weaknesses do not negate the site’s appeal but limit visitor comfort and length of stay.
Opportunities Exist, but Competition Is Increasing
Externally, the study identifies several opportunities that can accelerate development. Digital access has made information about Suban Hot Springs easier to find, allowing low-cost promotion through online platforms. Tourism growth also opens employment opportunities for local residents.
At the same time, competition poses a clear threat. Other destinations in the region are improving facilities and branding, raising visitor expectations. Uncontrolled cultural influence and environmental pressure are also listed as risks if development proceeds without coordination.
Based on these factors, Suban Hot Springs falls into a diversification strategy zone, meaning that strong internal assets should be used strategically to manage external threats.
Strategy Focus: Control, Cooperation, and Culture
Rather than recommending aggressive expansion, the authors emphasize controlled development. Five priority strategies emerge from the analysis:
- Managing government support to encourage local independence
- Regulating tourism infrastructure to protect natural landscapes
- Strengthening cooperation between managers and local communities
- Preserving local culture amid increasing visitor interaction
- Standardizing pricing and services to ensure fairness and trust
According to Andrea Afriliana Sari of Universitas Bengkulu, tourism success should be measured not only by visitor numbers but by community resilience and environmental sustainability.
Implications for Local Policy and Education
The study offers actionable insights for policymakers. Local governments can use this framework to design tourism policies that prioritize long-term stability over short-term gains. By involving residents directly, tourism becomes a shared economic activity rather than an external imposition.
For educators and planners, the research demonstrates how strategic analysis tools can support evidence-based decision-making in regional development. The Suban Hot Springs case can serve as a reference model for similar destinations across Indonesia.
Academic Insight
Romi Gunawan from Universitas Bengkulu notes that destinations with strong natural assets often fail not because of lack of potential, but due to weak coordination. When communities are treated as partners rather than spectators, tourism growth becomes more adaptive and sustainable.
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