Economic valuation of Bhumi Merapi Agrotourism in Sleman Regency

Agrotourism is the development of tourism that utilizes the natural environment and agricultural activities. This research aims were to identify the characteristics of visitors, to identify the factors that influence the number of visits, and to estimate the economic value of Bhumi Merapi agrotourism. This research was conducted with questionnaires survey to 75 visitors through accidental sampling method. The descriptive-analytical method was used to know the characteristics of visitors, multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the factors that influence the number of visits, and the economic value was measured using zonal travel cost method. The results indicated that the characteristics of visitors to the Bumi Merapi agrotourism are most visitors aim for recreation in groups of less than or equal to 10 people, come from the Sleman district and plan to return visit. Income and visit experience had a positive influence; meanwhile, travel cost, distance, and the number of the family had a negative impact on the number of Bhumi Merapi visitors. The economic value of Bhumi Merapi agrotourism consists of total willingness to pay and the total value paid, respectively Rp. 61,022,254,800.00/ year and Rp. Rp12,164,238,100.00/ year. © 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.