OPTIMALISASI HOMESTAY DALAM MENDUKUNG MEMORABLE TOURISM EXPERIENCE BERBASIS ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS DI DESA WISATA (KASUS DI LUMBAN SUHI-SUHI TORUAN, SAMOSIR) - Denny, Agustinus; Liyushiana, Liyushiana (Jurnal Pariwisata, 2025)
ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji kontribusi homestay dalam menciptakan memorable tourism experience (MTE) di Desa Wisata Lumban Suhi-Suhi Toruan (Dewi Lusi), Samosir, dengan fokus pada tujuh dimensi MTE: hedonism, refreshment, social and local culture, meaningfulness, knowledge, novelty, dan adverse feeling. Studi ini juga bertujuan untuk merumuskan strategi penguatan homestay berbasis akar masalah guna meningkatkan pengalaman wisatawan. Penelitian dilakukan selama bulan September 2024–Juli 2024 dengan pendekatan kualitatif studi kasus. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara mendalam terhadap 12 informan utama, yaitu pengelola dari BUMDes Hita Do Hita, pemilik homestay dan wisatawan, serta melalui observasi dan dokumentasi. Analisis data dilakukan dengan pendekatan tematik dan Root Cause Analysis (RCA) untuk mengidentifikasi akar masalah dan solusi strategis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa homestay di Dewi Lusi tidak hanya berperan sebagai akomodasi, tetapi juga sebagai sarana interaksi budaya, edukasi, dan keterlibatan emosional yang mendalam. Strategi yang diusulkan mencakup pelatihan pelayanan, pengemasan pengalaman tematik, dan penguatan narasi budaya. Kata kunci : homestay, memorable tourism experience, desa wisata, interaksi budaya,  root cause analysis. ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the contribution of homestays in creating a memorable tourism experience (MTE) in Lumban Suhi-Suhi Toruan Tourism Village (Dewi Lusi), Samosir, focusing on seven MTE dimensions: hedonism, refreshment, social and local culture, meaningfulness, knowledge, novelty, and adverse feeling. The study also seeks to formulate root-problem-based strategies to enhance tourists’ experience through homestay development. Conducted from September 2024 to July 2025, this research employed a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 key informants—managers of the local village enterprise (BUMDes Hita Do Hita), homestay owners and tourists—as well as through observation and documentation. Data analysis utilized a thematic approach and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to identify core issues and strategic solutions. Findings reveal that homestays in Dewi Lusi serve not only as lodging but also as a platform for cultural interaction, education, and emotional engagement. The proposed strategies include service training, thematic experience packaging, and enhancement of cultural narratives.  Keywords: homestay, memorable tourism experience, tourism village, cultural interaction, root cause analysis.