Kajian Eksotisme dan Kualitas Pengalaman Wisata Minat Khusus Curug Lawe Benowo, Desa Kalisidi Kabupaten Semarang

Curug Lawe and Curug Benowo are nature-based tourism destinations located in Kalisidi Tourism Village, Semarang Regency, which possess strong potential for exotic tourism attractions. This study aims to identify the tourism attraction elements that represent the exoticism of Curug Lawe Benowo, the strength of its exoticism as a special interest tourism destination, and evaluate the quality of special interest tourism based on the dimensions of rewarding, enriching, adventuring, and learning. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews, as well as field observations and secondary data from documents and relevant scientific literature. Data were analysed using the interactive model consisting of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the exoticism of Curug Lawe Benowo is formed by several key tourism attraction elements, including waterfalls, tropical forest ecosystems, biodiversity, natural trekking routes, mountain landscapes, and a tranquil natural atmosphere. These elements create a distinctive and authentic destination character that differentiates Curug Lawe Benowo from other nature-based attractions. The study also reveals that the destination possesses strong characteristics of special interest tourism due to its ability to offer exploration, adventure, aesthetic appreciation, and environmental interaction. Furthermore, the quality of special interest tourism is reflected in the rewarding dimension through emotional satisfaction, enriching through environmental appreciation, adventuring through trekking activities, and learning through ecological knowledge acquisition. Therefore, the exoticism of Curug Lawe Benowo constitutes a strategic asset for strengthening the competitiveness and sustainable development of Kalisidi Tourism Village.