Harnessing Internal and External Potentials for Sustainable Tourist Village Development: A Case Study from Selo District, Central Java

Faculty of Geography, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: ca122@ums.ac.id

Abstract

Tourist villages are essential in promoting sustainable rural tourism by utilizing local natural and cultural resources. Selo District in Boyolali Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, is strategically located between Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu and holds strong potential for tourist village development. However, limited infrastructure, low promotional efforts, minimal community involvement, and disaster risks have hindered its growth. This study aims to analyze the internal and external potentials of six tourist villages in the district and formulate appropriate development strategies. A mixed-method approach was used, employing SWOT analysis with IFAS and EFAS matrices to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The findings reveal that all villages have high internal and external potential. The analysis places the district in a Stable Growth position (Quadrant I), indicating the need for gradual, well-planned development. Recommended strategies include enhancing promotional efforts, improving tourism facilities, strengthening community capacity, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. This study underscores the importance of leveraging local potential and external support to develop sustainable tourism in rural and disaster-prone regions.