Analisis Biaya Perjalanan dan Pengeluaran Agregat Pengunjung Air Terjun Moramo di Suaka Margasatwa Tanjung Peropa Kabupaten Konawe Selatan

Abstract

This study analyzes the travel cost incurred by visitors to the Moramo Waterfall tourist attraction in the Tanjung Peropa Wildlife Reserve, as a proxy for the recreational value of the site, using a simplified aggregate Travel Cost (TC) approach based on Individual Travel Cost Method (ITCM) principles. Data were obtained from 80 respondents selected through accidental (on-site convenience) sampling between August and October 2025, through structured interviews covering socio-economic characteristics, visitation patterns, and components of travel costs, including transportation, food and beverages, accommodation, entrance fees, and other related expenses. The average travel cost was estimated by dividing total respondent expenditure by the number of respondents, then extrapolated using the annual number of visits recorded by the reserve management authority (BKSDA Sulawesi Tenggara). The results show that the total travel cost incurred by respondents amounted to IDR 28,106,000, with an average of IDR 351,325 per respondent per visit. The largest cost components were other expenses and transportation, while accommodation contributed the smallest share. Based on an annual visitation of 24,154 visits, the aggregate visitor travel expenditure at Moramo Waterfall is estimated at IDR 8,485,904,050 per year. This figure reflects the magnitude of travel-related spending by visitors rather than a full estimate of consumer surplus or total economic value, and indicates that Moramo Waterfall supports the local tourism economy and provides a basis for strengthening conservation financing for the Tanjung Peropa Wildlife Reserve and surrounding communities. These findings can serve as a reference for formulating policies related to sustainable nature-based tourism development and management in the area.