The Influence of Social Media and Local Community Participation on Tourist Perceptions of Marine Tourism Destinations on Derawan Island
Muhammad Yusuf Saharuddin1*, Tuti Wediawati 2, Fareis Althalets3, Muhammad Tommy Fimi Putera4

Mulawarman University
Faculty of Social and Political Science
Business Administration Study Program

Abstract

As an island nation with an unrivalled wealth of underwater nature, Indonesia offers the charm of marine tourism that captivates the attention of tourists local and international. Derawan Island, located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, is known by the nickname ^Pristine Island^ which reflects its preserved beauty. In recent years, the island has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Its stunning underwater beauty, pristine white beaches, and abundant marine biodiversity, make Derawan Island attractive to divers, nature lovers, and tourists seeking serenity amidst tropical beauty. This study aims to analyse the influence of social media and local community participation on tourists perceptions of marine tourism destinations in Derawan Island. This research uses a quantitative approach with 120 respondents using a questionnaire. After the data was collected, the data was processed using the SPSS application. The results of this study indicate that Social Medial and Local Community Participation simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on tourist perceptions of marine tourism destinations on Derawan Island. The Local Community Participation variable has the largest beta among the other independent variables, which means that it is the most dominant variable influencing tourist perception.

Keywords: Tourism, Social Media, Local Community Partcipation

Topic: Tourism and Hospitality