<![CDATA[Wisata kuliner menjadi salah satu kekuatan ekonomi pariwisata karena mampu menghubungkan daya tarik budaya, pengalaman wisata, dan aktivitas ekonomi masyarakat lokal. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis peran pelaku usaha kuliner Kampung Solor dalam mendukung pengembangan pariwisata Kota Kupang. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi. Informan penelitian terdiri atas pelaku usaha kuliner, pengunjung, tokoh masyarakat, dan unsur pemerintah/kelurahan yang dipilih secara purposive. Data dianalisis menggunakan model Miles dan Huberman melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan, serta diperkuat dengan triangulasi sumber. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pelaku usaha kuliner berperan sebagai penyedia daya tarik wisata, penggerak ekonomi lokal, pencipta lapangan kerja, sekaligus agen representasi budaya melalui makanan khas daerah. Kampung Solor memiliki daya tarik kuat karena cita rasa kuliner, harga yang relatif terjangkau, suasana malam yang ramai, dan keberagaman menu khas Kota Kupang. Namun, pengembangan kawasan masih menghadapi kendala berupa keterbatasan fasilitas, kebersihan lingkungan yang belum optimal, penataan kawasan yang belum merata, dan promosi digital yang masih lemah. Penelitian ini merekomendasikan penguatan kolaborasi antara pemerintah daerah, pelaku usaha, masyarakat, dan komunitas digital untuk menjadikan Kampung Solor sebagai destinasi wisata kuliner yang tertata, berdaya saing, dan berkelanjutan. Culinary tourism has emerged as a key driver of the tourism economy, as it links cultural attractions, tourist experiences, and the economic activities of local communities. This study aims to analyze the role of culinary business operators in Kampung Solor in supporting tourism development in Kupang City. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants consisted of culinary business operators, visitors, community leaders, and representatives of the government/urban village administration, selected purposively. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, and were strengthened through source triangulation. The findings indicate that culinary business operators act as providers of tourist attractions, drivers of the local economy, creators of employment opportunities, and agents of cultural representation through regional specialty foods. Kampung Solor has strong appeal due to its culinary flavors, relatively affordable prices, lively nighttime atmosphere, and diverse selection of Kupang City’s signature dishes. However, the area’s development still faces constraints, including limited facilities, suboptimal environmental cleanliness, uneven spatial arrangement, and weak digital promotion. This study recommends strengthening collaboration among local government, business operators, the community, and digital communities to develop Kampung Solor into a well-organized, competitive, and sustainable culinary tourism destination.]]>
