PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT DALAM PEMANFAATAN APLIKASI E-TOURISM UNTUK PENGEMBANGAN EKOWISATA PANTAI KHIKIT KECAMATAN PEMATANG SAWA

Abstract

This community service program was implemented at Khikit Beach, Pekon Betung, Pematang Sawa District, Tanggamus Regency, with the goal of empowering coastal communities to utilize a mobile web-based e-tourism application for ecotourism development. This activity was motivated by the community's low ability to use digital technology for tourism promotion. The implementation method consisted of planning and implementation stages, which included outreach, training, and technical assistance using a participatory approach. The results of the activity demonstrated an increase in the community's ability to manage the tourism information system, with 88% of participants able to update content independently and a 25% increase in local tourist visits. This activity demonstrated that the application of information technology through e-tourism is effective in increasing digital literacy and strengthening the community's role in sustainable ecotourism management.