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Purpose : Tourism development in rural areas is considered as a strategic step to lower the poverty level through new potentials in household livelihoods.This study aims to investigate the tourism development and the impacts of livelihood transition in the highlands of Mount Nona, Ambon Island.As a result, both the government and the land owner are not able to manage this local asset Theoretical Framework : Due to huge contributions in tourism to the regional income, it is need more focused and coordination between the governmnet and community. However mostly the area which had a plethora natural resources is the poorest area. It indicated that there are lack of the government contributions in developing tourism area and land owner issue. . To solve this issues, it is important to give an attention and explanation related to the natural resources management theory beside human resources. If the government can manage all with their policy and bureaucracy, it will be convenient to realize the development goals in tourism sector. Design/Methodology/Approach : This study was done using a qualitative method with a case study approach, studying a touristy attraction focusing on a selfie tourism called Siwang Paradise located in the highlands of Mount Nona, Ambon Island. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and observations done in two phases in November 2021 to February 2022. A total of 24 key informants participated in this study was selected using a purposive sampling technique based on the following criteria: first, the key informant must be part of the management of of Siwang Paradise; second, the key informant must be the member of rural community benefitted from the opening of Siwang Paradise. After the data collection process, the data was analyzed following the stages proposed by Creswell.
Findings : The results show that the development of Siwang Paradise did have a significant contribution to the creation of new livelihoods through increased income. However, on the other hand, this livelihood transition had a potential threat to the household economy of the rural community itself. This condition could be caused by the community’s lack of knowledge and experience regarding the management of touristy objects, the uncertain tourist season, and the Covid-19 pandemic. These various threats left the community with no other alternative to maintain their livelihood.
Future Implications : There are a limitations in this study which is need to be completed by future research. For instance tourism development arisen from the community level, the role of the government and the private sector was highly needed. It should also be followed by the rural community as targets for the tourism development to be given knowledge transfer, promotion, and the access to information and infrastructure. This phenomenon need to be discussed by further research more deeply by using another methods and approach such as mix method to suggest several recommendations and policy to solve the tourism issues in rural area.
Originality/Value : The findings of the study indicated that natural resources manajement and ownership theory are important to develop tourism business in rural area so that people will lived in poverty through wise management and economically.Otomatically, the regional income will be increase.
