The Involvement of Local People and Culture in Mesastila Resort and Spa, Magelang, Indonesia

Tuti Elfrida ,  Anik Nuryani
Diploma Tourism Program, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
tutielfrida@ugm.ac.id

Abstract

Mesastila Resort and Spa is one of the tourist accommodations in the middle of the countryside and has a relatively high level of foreign visitors. Interestingly, there are several daily activities that involve culture and local people living around the resort. Those activities are managed and presented at the resort to be attended by guests staying at the resort The research explores data about the practice of involvement of local people and culture. Furthermore, this research also looks at the experience of local people in their involvement in providing service at tourist accommodation. The observation was carried out by participating in all activities involving local communities and looking at how local communities in this context host the guests and visitors. Meanwhile, interviews were also conducted with the local communities involved and management staff. The result of this study confirms that local culture and community are able to become an important element in providing activities and attractions within the scope of tourist accommodation. In addition to being economically profitable, it is possible for Richard to have a transfer of knowledge and cultural exchange from contacts between ‘hosts’ and ‘guests’ in every activity that exists. Local people also claim to be proud to be involved in the activities, as having a wider network, such as foreigners. Moreover, they are proud that their culture can be known and learned by people from other cultures.

Keywords

community involvement, tourist accommodation, tourist activities, tourist attraction
Volume 04, 07 Jul 2020
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