<![CDATA[Kelompok Sadar Wisata memiliki peran penting untuk mengembangkan potensi pariwisata berbasis masyarakat. Namun, dalam konteks pelaksanaannya ditemukan tantangan dan hambatan, seperti pemahaman mengenai prinsip pariwisata berbasis masyarakat yang belum memadai. Tujuan pengabdian ini yaitu: 1) memberikan pengetahuan tentang prinsip pariwisata berbasis masyarakat. 2) mendorong kelompok sadar wisata kreatif dan inovatif menciptakan daya tarik wisata. Pengabdian ini dilaksanakan dengan metode Participatory Rural Appraisal melalui tahapan penjajagan, identifikasi masalah dan kebutuhan, merencanakan program, pelaksanaan program, melakukan monitoring, serta evaluasi. Mitra dalam kegiatan pengabdian berjumlah 25 orang terdiri dari Organisasi Perangkat Daerah Kabupaten Bengkalis meliputi Dinas Pariwisata, Kebudayaan, Kepemudaan dan Olaharaga, Dinas Pemberdayaan Masyarakat dan Desa, Pemerintah Desa Sepahat, serta Kelompok Sadar Wisata. Hasil survey awal ditemukan bahwa mitra belum mengetahui tentang Community Based Tourism. Tim pengabdian melakukan sosialisasi untuk mengenalkan prinsip tersebut dilanjutkan dengan sosialisasi tentang pentingnya kreativitas dan inovasi membangun Pantai Sepahat dengan memperhatikan potensi lokal. Daya tarik wisata pantai harus diimbangi dengan daya tarik wisata lainnya agar wisatawan memiliki minat tinggi untuk berkunjung. Kegiatan pendukung yang dapat dilakukan seperti menyelenggarakan festival budaya ciri khas daerah, pameran kuliner, maupun seni lainnya. Dampak signifikan dari kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah peningkatan pengetahuan tentang prinsip CBT. Namun, untuk mengubah perilaku kelompok, tidak dapat dilakukan dalam waktu singkat. Dengan kata lain perubahan perilaku kelompok sebelum dan sesudah pelaksanaan pengabdian belum dapat dilihat. Dalam optimalisasi pengembangan Pantai Sepahat yang ideal diperlukan sejumlah upaya seperti penyusunan roadmap program yang jelas dan terarah serta pendampingan lanjutan dengan menempatkan pendamping wisata. Institutional Strengthening of Community-Based Tourism Awareness Groups In The Development Of Sepahat Beach Tourism Awareness Groups play an important role in developing community-based tourism potential. However, in the context of its implementation, challenges and obstacles are found, such as an inadequate understanding of the principles of community-based tourism. The objectives of this service are: 1) provide knowledge about the principles of community-based tourism. 2) encourage creative and innovative tourism awareness groups to create tourist attractions. This service is carried out using the Participatory Rural Appraisal method through the stages of exploration, identification of problems and needs, program planning, program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The 25 partners in the community service activities consisted of Bengkalis Regency Regional Apparatus Organizations including the Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports Office, the Community and Village Empowerment Office, the Sepahat Village Government, and the Tourism Awareness Group. The results of the initial survey found that partners did not know about Community Based Tourism. The community service team conducted socialization to introduce the principle, followed by socialization about the importance of creativity and innovation in developing Sepahat Beach by paying attention to local potential. Beach tourism must be balanced with other tourism attractions so that tourists have a high interest in visiting. Supporting activities that can be carried out include organizing cultural festivals of regional characteristics, culinary exhibitions, and other arts. A significant impact of this service activity is the increase in knowledge about CBT principles. However, to change group behavior, it cannot be done in a short time. In other words, changes in group behavior before and after the implementation of the service cannot be seen. In optimizing the ideal development of Sepahat Beach, a number of efforts are needed, such as the preparation of a clear and directed program roadmap and further assistance by placing tour assistants. ]]>
