Development of Transportation Infrastructure in the Development of Paratourism Areas in Silalahi Sabungan District

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of transportation infrastructure development on the development of the tourism sector in Silalahi Sabungan District, Dairi Regency, which has great potential as a leading tourist destination in the Lake Toba area. The qualitative research approach is used by observation, interview, and document analysis methods to obtain data related to the condition of transportation infrastructure, development challenges, and its impact on tourism. The results of the study show that the current condition of transportation infrastructure in Silalahi Sabungan District is still inadequate, characterized by poor road quality, limited supporting facilities, and lack of public transportation. Key challenges in infrastructure development include budget constraints, difficult geographical conditions, and lack of integrated planning. These obstacles affect tourist accessibility and travel comfort, which is an obstacle in optimizing the region's tourism potential. However, the development of proper transportation infrastructure has a significant impact on the tourism sector. Adequate infrastructure can improve accessibility, improve tourist mobility, and encourage local economic growth through increased tourist visits and the development of new destinations. For this reason, collaborative efforts are needed between the government, local communities, and tourism business actors in designing sustainable infrastructure development, taking into account social and environmental impacts. This study concludes that the development of transportation infrastructure is a key factor in advancing the tourism sector in Silalahi Sabungan District. With integrated and sustainable planning, this area has the potential to become a leading tourist destination that contributes to the local economy while preserving the environment and culture