Localising Global Standards in Toba, Indonesia Through a Tourist-Centric Perspective of UNESCO Guidelines

Rachmat Mulyana (Department of Building Engineering Education, Universitas Negeri Medan, Medan 20221)
I Wayan Koko Suryawan (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Infrastructure Planning, Universitas Pertamina, Jakarta 12220)
Iva Yenis Septiariva (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126)
Sapta Suhardono (Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126)
Mega Mutiara Sari (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Infrastructure Planning, Universitas Pertamina, Jakarta 12220)
Nova Ulhasanah (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Infrastructure Planning, Universitas Pertamina, Jakarta 12220)
Nur Novilina Arifianningsih (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Intstitut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung 40116)
Wisnu Prayogo (Department of Civil Engineering, Universitas Negeri Medan, Medan 20221)
Dwinto Martri Aji Buana (Department of Management, Faculty of Business and Economics, Widyatama University, Bandung 40125)

Forum Geografi
Vol. 38 No. 1 (2024): April 2024

This study examines the response to and support of the UNESCO recommendations on behalf of geo-tourism using the actual perspectives of tourists visiting the Toba region. The study employed a detailed map of Toba Geo-tourism in the Sumatra Utara Province, Indonesia, to provide a comprehensive understanding. The research was underpinned by a random sampling approach, gathering responses from a broad spectrum of tourists. The results captured an optimistic landscape, demonstrating a clear synergy between the UNESCO recommendations and the sentiments of the tourists. Not only did the guidelines resonate, but there was also a palpable feeling among tourists to either extend their stay or make a subsequent visit, provided the recommendations were implemented holistically. This study stresses the value of adopting and localising global sustainable tourism standards to suit a region such as Toba’s unique attributes and tourist expectations. By means of this research, we aim to amplify that dialogue, charting a path for Toba and similar regions to embrace a future that is both ecologically sensitive and visitor centric.