THE ANALYSIS OF COMBATIBILITY AND SUPPORT CAPACITY IN THE MANGROVE TOURISM AREA AT SUSUK POOL, DUALAUS VILLAGE, BELU DISTRICT, EAST NUSA TENGARA PROVINCE

Abstract

The Susuk Pool Mangrove Ecosystem is a protected area. The conservation area is protected for the preservation purposes which in its development is directed as ecotourism areas. Mangrove tourism activities are limited to the mangrove ecosystem. Therefore, in its development, it is necessary to study the conditions and potentials in it through an analysis of suitability and Carrying Capacity towards the tourists. This study aims to determine the suitability of tourism and to measure the Carrying Capacity of tourists. The method used was descriptive quantitative with the data collection using surveys and observations. The analysis used was the Tourism Suitability Index (IKW) and Spatial Analysis, which then continued by using the Carrying Capacity Assessment. The result has shown that the mangrove area was 28.5 ha, based on spatial analysis. The category of IKW has shown that the total of 15.5 ha was categorized as Very Appropriate, the total of 8 ha was categorized as Appropriate while only 5 ha was categorized as Not Appropriate. The Carrying Capacity of Mangrove area at Susuk Pool was 280 people per day with an operating time provided by the tour manager for 9 hours. Generally, the entire Susuk pool mangrove area has a tourist capacity in the Good Category because it did not exceed the maximum recommended limit. Therefore, the suggestion for policy making is to make regulations for the management of mangrove areas.