Empowering Leuwimalang Village Through Digital Platform to Optimizing Potential Tourism Destination

Abstract

Leuwimalang Tourism Village, located in Cisarua Subdistrict, Bogor Regency, represents a promising model for community-based tourism, integrating cultural preservation, community empowerment, and sustainable economic growth. This research explores the transformative role of digitalization, particularly through the implementation of a dedicated online platform, in addressing the challenges faced by Leuwimalang as it seeks to optimize its potential as a tourism destination. Leveraging qualitative methods, the study identifies key areas where digital tools can enhance visibility, empower local entrepreneurs, and foster community engagement. The findings reveal that a dedicated website can significantly improve accessibility and market reach by providing comprehensive information about attractions such as agro-tourism, river rafting, and cultural experiences. Digital platforms also offer homestay operators and agro-tourism entrepreneurs the opportunity to manage bookings directly, reducing reliance on intermediaries and enhancing revenue streams. Furthermore, community-driven website management encourages local participation, enabling residents to showcase the village’s unique identity while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices.