The optimization of water tourism management in Sumber Maron, Malang and Umbul Ponggok, Klaten

Abstract Water tourism is an eminent sector potential to build Indonesians’ welfare. Water tourist destination that can attract tourists today is Umbul Ponggok, located in Klaten, Central Java and Sumber Maron in Malang, East Java. Both tourist destinations have water-based tourism concept by utilizing surrounding natural environment and empowering local people in their management. Therefore, this research aims to compare the optimization of water tourism management based on natural environment and the community empowerment. This research used a qualitative research method with phenomenological approach to see holistic information on water tourism management developed in both tourist objects. The result shows that in its management, Umbul Ponggok keeps attempting to maintain natural conservation and pays much attention to natural conservation and surrounding environment. It is similar to that in Sumber Maron prioritizing natural environment aspect and likewise surrounding community empowerment. Sumber Maron always attempts to review all tourism activities. However, the management existing in Sumber Maron is still far below standard existing in Umbul Ponggok. Therefore, the future tourism management should pass through some stages including trial, update, and public and village government participation to support the advancement of water tourism.