As part of its commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, the Tourism Marketing Management Study Program at UPI held a Community Service (P2M) activity involving both lecturers and students. The program took place in Mekarsari Village, Pasir Jambu District, Bandung Regency, and ran for around five months, from July to November 2024, along with a workshop held on August 15, 2024.
The program focused on providing training for local residents on managing a Tourism Village using the concept of Sustainable Tourism, especially emphasizing eco-friendly practices in tourism development.
Dr. Rini Andari, S.Pd., SE.Par., MM, a lecturer from the Tourism Marketing Management Study Program, explained, “Through this Community Service activity, we aim to share knowledge with the people of Mekarsari Village, especially the local youth, as they are the key drivers in developing Mekarsari into a progressive, independent, and thriving Tourism Village.”
The core event was divided into two sessions. In the first session, lecturers from the program delivered material on environmentally friendly Tourism Village management.
In the second session, community members were divided into groups to brainstorm and discuss the tourism potential of Mekarsari Village. With guidance from the lecturers and students, each group designed a tourism package, complete with a theme, target market, planned activities, and potential challenges they might face when implementing their ideas.
After the brainstorming, each group presented their proposed tourism package. The presentations were followed by feedback and suggestions from the UPI lecturers.
Continuing its support for Mekarsari’s development using the Sustainable Tourism approach, the Tourism Marketing Management Study Program returned in early November 2024 to hold another workshop and learning session, this time focusing on regenerative tourism. The initiative was well-received by the locals.
Kang Roby, a member of Mekarsari’s youth organization (Karang Taruna), shared his thoughts: “We really hope the knowledge we gained from these activities can be applied and shared with others, so that Mekarsari Tourism Village can continue to grow and thrive.”
Author : Ardhi Hernawan