Are There Opportunities for Developing Thematic Education Tourism in Bali Aga During COVID-19 Pandemic? (Based on Tourist’s Learning Motivation)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for many tourist villages to bring in tourists. However, this condition did not occur in the village of Bali Aga village, which still received tourist visits amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Various motivations encourage tourists to travel to Bali Aga village during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article analyzes the motivation of a tourist visit to an old village located in the rural area of Bali Aga, Banjar District, Buleleng Regency. Qualitative and quantitative studies were carried out in analyzing this paper. This research begins with data collection through interviews, field observations, and distributing questionnaires to 60 visitors conducted before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was also given to 246 visitors who participated in the virtual tour, by filling in their reasons for joining the virtual tour during registration. . The results showed that the motivation for tourist visits was an educational opportunity. Natural and cultural tourism attractions in the old village have implications for the sustainability of the tourist village and for strengthening the strong elements of education as an understanding of ancestral heritage.