An alumnus of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) developed Tourism Education Ndalem Kerto which focuses on plantation and livestock education. Located in Ponorogo, East Java, Tourism Education offers an experience of direct interaction with nature.

He is Rohim Ariful, an alumnus of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) who is often called Rohim. He said that his interest in developing a business began when he developed a family-owned business. Rohim has been in the business since 2017.

"We combine education, animal husbandry, and nature to create a different experience for visitors," explains Rohim, an alumnus of the Information Systems study program.

Tourism Education Ndalem Kerto is an initiative initiated by Rohim. He saw the tourism potential that began to get crowded after the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting from a family-owned crystal guava plantation, Eduwisata has grown to have a variety of services. Such as grafting class tours, picking crystal guavas, caring for goats and cows, cooking, catching fish, and growing vegetables.

Carrying the Concept of Sustainable Tourism

Currently, the business that Rohim has developed has begun to attract the attention of the people of Ponorogo and outside the city. His unique concept is sustainable tourism. This tourism concept offers a selection of attractive tour packages for all age groups.

"We want to give visitors a unique experience. They can not only learn but also experience the beauty of nature and participate in farming activities," he said.

Armed with Rohim's editing skills, he continues to maximize the branding of his business. He felt the need to elaborate on digital marketing as one of his promotional strategies. As a result, Rohim optimizes the use of social media as a marketing tool.

Currently, Ndalem Kerto edu-tourism manages to earn a turnover of 15 million per month during the holiday season. Rohim gets around 80 visitors every day. The number continues to increase, especially from October to December.

Collaborating with the Community and Students

Not only that, he also collaborates with local communities and students in developing edu-tourism. He empowers several students in the internship and community service program (KKN). Partner universities involved include Trunojoyo Madura University (UTM), IAIN Ponorogo, and Muhammadiyah Ponorogo University (UMPO).

"We want this project to not only be a private business but also provide benefits to the surrounding community. We work with local farmers and employ local people as tour guides," he explains.

As the main manager, Rohim has ambitions to further develop Edu-tourism Ndalem Kerto. He plans to improve business management and expand the services provided to consumers. These include expanding the tourist area, improving lodging services, and collaborating with other parties.

"We want to continue to grow and provide a better experience to visitors. Our goal is to reach our target visits every month and continue to be a unique destination in Ponorogo," he said.

For Rohim, the tourism business is challenging but has great potential if it offers something unique. In addition, he advised UNAIR students who want to explore the business world in tourism. He gave a message to strengthen commitment in undergoing the process.

"It is important to master overall business management and have dedication to starting a business. The most important asset in starting a business is maximizing the skills we have to boost the business," he concluded. (*)

Writer: Satriyani Dewi Astuti

Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh

Source : unair.ac.id/alumnus-unair-gandeng-masyarakat-lokal-kembangkan-eduwisata-di-ponorogo