Facing new normal conditions, the tourism industry requires a change in order to encourage recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. The recovery of the tourism industry is very important because of the large multiplier effect. In addition to contributing a large amount of foreign exchange, tourism can contribute to increasing employment and can encourage other sectors such as trade, construction, rental services, and other service businesses.
The collaboration of the central government, local governments, tourist destination managers, and the community is needed to accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism must be carried out with behavioral and technological changes which are the keys for the tourism industry to face this pandemic, by continuing to prepare various pillars including sustainable tourism management, the local economy, maintaining cultural values for communities and visitors, and environmental conservation.
Figure 1. The Governor of Gorontalo, Rusli Habibie hopes that the tourism webinar can formulate the concept of tourism development in Gorontalo (08/08/20).
Geopark development as a tourist destination as well as environmental and cultural preservation is a sustainable development solution. Geopark development is expected to increase the number of tourists because Indonesia's tourism potential is quite large, especially with its geological diversity. Geoparks not only offer natural beauty, but also provide a diversity of geological heritage or geo-heritage. Geopark management as a medium for nature and cultural conservation as well as education is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the top priorities for regional development in Gorontalo Province in achieving the 2017-2022 RPJMD is global tourism development. To support the achievement of national targets, it is necessary to have a global tourism management policy.
Geopark development in Gorontalo Province is one of the entrances for Gorontalo tourism development. In order to support tourism and regional geoparks, the Gorontalo Provincial Government through the Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) of Gorontalo Province will hold a National Webinar on the topic of Sustainable Tourism and Gorontalo Geopark.