Regional Development and Sustainable Planning Strategies Based on Local Tourism Potential in Kutalimbaru, Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

This study formulates regional planning priorities based on local potential in Kutalimbaru Sub-district, Deli Serdang Regency, focusing on nature-based tourism and educational agrotourism. Although Kutalimbaru is strategically located in North Sumatra and has rich natural resources and diverse cultural assets, this potential remains underutilized due to limited infrastructure, insufficient promotion, and low tourism-related human resource capacity. The study used a quantitative descriptive design integrating SWOT and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify key development factors and prioritize interventions. Primary data were collected through a survey of 100 purposively selected stakeholders, supported by in-depth interviews and document analysis of relevant planning documents. The results show that infrastructure improvement is the highest priority (0.35), followed by digital promotion and marketing (0.30) and community empowerment through training and capacity building (0.25), while environmental and cultural management remains a supporting safeguard (0.10). The study recommends strengthening collaboration among local government, communities, and the private sector to implement coordinated and sustainable actions that enhance destination competitiveness while improving local economic outcomes and community welfare.