<b>Identifying the Leading City for Urban Development Through Nature-Based and Cultural Tourism: A Comparative Study Between Padang and Bukittinggi Based on the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) Approachng and Bukittinggi Based on the Tourism Area

This study aims to analyze the competitiveness of marine tourism destinations in Padang City and mountainous and cultural tourism destinations in Bukittinggi City in the context of urban area development. The method employed is a quantitative approach, utilizing an assessment technique based on 23 variables that correspond to the stages of the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC). The assessment is conducted to evaluate the level of readiness, facilities, attractiveness, management, and promotion of each destination. The results of the study show that marine tourism destinations in Padang City excel in the development to consolidation phase, supported by adequate infrastructure and active promotion. On the other hand, mountainous and cultural tourism destinations in Bukittinggi City are generally in the development stage, although they have strengths in cultural and historical tourism, such as Jam Gadang, Benteng de Kock, and Pasar Atas. These findings confirm that differences in destination characteristics affect competitiveness and their role in urban development. The main recommendation of this study is the need for a development strategy that is tailored to local characteristics to optimize the role of tourist destinations in the development of urban areas.