Strategi Pengelolaan Objek Wisata Berbasis Mitigasi Bencana Gua Lowo Trenggalek

Abstract

This study analyzes the management conditions of the Gua Lowo Tourist Attraction in relation to disaster mitigation and formulates appropriate management strategies. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, using field observations and semi-structured interviews with managers and local residents/traders, while the data were examined using SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). The findings show that Gua Lowo has several strengths, including the uniqueness of its karst landscape, the presence of bat colonies as an ecotourism and geotourism attraction, and the availability of a basic visitor path inside the cave. However, a slippery access path to the cave entrance, limited lighting inside the cave, the absence of safety signs and evacuation routes, and the low perception of disaster risk among managers and the community represent major weaknesses. Externally, there are opportunities in the form of policy support for disaster-safe destinations, potential collaboration with relevant institutions, and the development of disaster mitigation education tourism, while threats include the potential for landslides and floods around the area as well as a decline in visitor numbers. Based on these combined factors, SO, ST, WO, and WT strategies were formulated, focusing on strengthening safety facilities, developing mitigation-based educational tourism, enhancing community capacity, and implementing risk-based spatial planning to realize Gua Lowo as a safe and disaster-resilient tourist destination.