Mataram, University of Mataram – The Research and Community Service Institute of the University of Mataram (LPPM Unram) held a Tourism Industry Innovation Training as part of the Unram Service series. This activity was held on Saturday (10/8) at the Seaweed Center Hall, Gerupuk Hamlet, Sengkol Village, Central Lombok Regency, attended by 20 participants.

The speakers included Lalu Furkan, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Ahmad Saufi, SE, M.Bus, Ph.D.; and Filsa Era Sativa, S.Si, M.Pd.

One of the main innovations is the development of community-based tourism that utilizes the cultural wealth and natural beauty of Gerupuk Hamlet. Through training and tourism product development, the local community is taught to manage and market tourism destinations effectively. This includes the development of tour packages that integrate traditional activities, local culinary, and handicrafts. Through this, Gerupuk Hamlet can attract more tourists and increase revenue from the tourism sector.

This training is part of Unram’s efforts to support local tourism development and help the Gerupuk Hamlet community utilize their natural beauty and cultural wealth in the tourism sector. This activity was attended by participants consisting of local tourism industry practitioners, community leaders, and Unram students.

Lalu Furkan, S.E., M.Sc. Ph.D, in his presentation said, “This training aims to provide the latest knowledge and skills in the tourism industry to Gerupuk Hamlet community. By utilizing technological innovations and effective marketing strategies, we hope to increase the tourism attractiveness of this area and have a positive impact on the local economy.”

One of the key initiatives is the development of tour packages that integrate natural attractions, local culture and handicrafts. The program aims to offer an authentic and immersive experience for tourists while introducing them to local traditions and craftsmanship. Training for local tourism industry players is also conducted to improve skills in marketing and destination management.

Ahmad Saufi also conveyed, “We see great potential in cultural and nature-based tourism. With the support of technology and training, we hope to increase the attractiveness of Gerupuk Hamlet and make a significant contribution to the local economy.”

“These innovations show how Gerupuk Hamlet, Sengkol Village, can utilize local potential and technology to improve the community’s economy. With focus on tourism, seaweed cultivation, and renewable energy, Gerupuk Hamlet is on the right track to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life of its people,” added Ahmad Saufi.

One of the key sessions was the workshop on developing local culture-based tourism products. This involved discussions and practical training on how to integrate cultural elements of Gerupuk Hamlet, such as handicrafts and traditional cuisine, into attractive and sustainable tourism packages.

Trainees also had the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with experts and practitioners from the tourism industry. This interactive discussion aims to explore the potential and challenges faced by Gerupuk Hamlet and find innovative solutions.

Ms. Siti, a local business owner who attended the training, said, “This training is very useful for us. We learned a lot about how to promote our tourism products and use technology to attract tourists. We hope to implement all that we learned to improve our business.”

Unram is committed to continuing its support for local tourism development through activities like this. With this training, it is hoped that Gerupuk Hamlet can maximize its tourism potential and contribute more to the regional economy.

The Head of LPPM Unram, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sukartono, M.Agr. opened his remarks with gratitude to all parties who had participated and supported this activity.

“We are very grateful to the entire Gerupuk Hamlet community, stakeholders, and the team from the University of Mataram who have worked hard to actualize this innovation. Today’s activity is the result of solid collaboration and a shared commitment to improve the local economy through the utilization of existing potential.”

He continued, “The innovations that have been introduced, ranging from the development of community-based tourism to the application of renewable energy technology and the improvement of seaweed cultivation, are strategic steps that we hope will bring long-term positive impacts to Gerupuk Hamlet. We are confident that by optimally utilizing local potential and applying the latest technology, Gerupuk Hamlet can achieve significant progress.”

Prof. Sukartono, also emphasized the importance of sustainability of all the initiatives that have been introduced, “The success of this service activity lies not only in the implementation of the innovation itself, but also in our ability to ensure that all these programs are sustainable and continue to benefit the community. We encourage all parties to continue to collaborate, share knowledge, and maintain the spirit of innovation that has been demonstrated.”

” The University of Mataram will continue to support and facilitate things that can strengthen the local economy and improve the quality of life of the community. We believe that with the spirit of cooperation and dedication, we can achieve our common goal of building a better future for Gerupuk Hamlet and its surroundings,” he added.

Prof. Sukartono ended his statement with a hope and an invitation to continue to work together to advance Gerupuk Hamlet with passion and innovation.

“It is important to remember that technology is not only about innovation, but also about how we apply it to improve people’s quality of life. This program aims to empower seaweed farmers by providing supportive facilities, as well as providing the necessary training to utilize this technology effectively,” he concluded.