LOCAL CONCEPT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF THE NGABATATA WATERFALL AREA, EAST NUSA TENGGARA, INDONESIA

Abstract

Ngabatata Waterfall is famously regarded as a natural tourist attraction with a unique natural charm, despite the inevitable problems to be solved in optimizing the potential of this waterfall. The problems include difficulty to access the location through revamped roads, absence of signage and entrance gates, and unavailability of tourist facilities such as toilets, camping grounds, and other tourist supporting facilities. Therefore, this study aims to propose a development concept for the Ngabatata waterfall based on local characteristics to reinforce the image of this area. This study applied a qualitative method to identify the potential and problems of the area by conducting descriptive analysis and formulating the concept and design of the Ngabatata waterfall area. The output of this research includes the development concept of Ngabatata waterfall as a Tourism Triangle based on nature and local culture in the Heart of Flores Island.