Yogyakarta, September 7th 2026 — Optimizing rural tourism potential, the Community Service (PKM) team from the Tourism Master Program Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM), held a field survey and coordination meeting in Giriloyo on Saturday, September 5th 2026. This meeting focused on preparing the upcoming ‘visit to destination’ program designed to connect tourists directly with local authentic potential. All key stakeholders gathered to discuss issues on mapping, community aspirations, and the identification of primary as well as supporting tourist attractions. Unlike conventional tour packages, this program positions local residents as the primary executors of all destination activities. The active collaboration of UGM academics and the local Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) aims to foster local destination management independence.
The core focus of this development program lies in structuring the ‘Yard Tourism’ (Wisata Pekarangan) concept through an end-to-end approach. The educational tourism offered extends beyond simple harvesting, covering the entire agricultural sequence from seed selection to post-harvest processing. As an added value, the itinerary features a farm-to-table culinary experience, local musical performances, and the introduction of local biodiversity assets. The Srigunggu plant, traditionally used for gurah therapeutic treatment, is projected as the village’s signature icon alongside natural dye plant education and yard batik making. This educational tourism packaging is meticulously designed to deliver authentic memorable experiences and simultaneously promote environmental conservation awareness.
The implementation of the ‘visit to destination’ activity is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th 2026, centered at Gazebo Giriloyo starting at 08.00 WIB. The agenda aims to involve 20 participants comprising international and domestic tourists alongside Pokdarwis members and the SPs UGM team. Ensuring seamless field operations, designated officers (PICs) have been assigned to oversee attraction coupon ticketing, distribution, media design, and guest assistance. Community participation is facilitated with coupon system integrated across five household yards and the local Women Farmers Group (KWT). This partnership is expected to strengthen community organizational capacity and establish a sustainable model for inclusive tourism.