Economic Valuation of Bukit Kaba Nature Tourism Park (NTP): Travel Cost Method-Poisson Regression, Bengkulu Indonesia

The objective of this research is to determine the economic value of the Bukit Kaba NTP tourist attraction using Travel Cost Method, and to identify the determinants of the frequency of tourist visits to Bukit Kaba NTP. This research used a quantitative descriptive method with the research sample being Tourists to Bukit Kaba NTP in 2022. This research using Poisson regression as an analytical tool and to determine the economic value of the Bukit Kaba NTP are using the Travel Cost Method (TCM). This research consists of 1 dependent variable, it frequency of tourist visits and 5 independent variables consisting of travel cost, Income, perception of the environmental quality, perception of the imposition of entrance retribution tariff, travelled distance. This research used Primary data obtained from questionnaires distributed to Bukit Kaba NTP tourists, namely as many as 100 respondents. The results showed that only the variables of perception of the environmental quality and travelled distance had a significant effect on the frequency of tourist visits of Bukit Kaba NTP, Whereas the variables of travel cost, income, and perception of the imposition of entrance retribution tariff of the Bukit Kaba NTP area did not affect the frequency of visits. In this Poisson regression model, a Nagelkerke R Square value of 0,22 is obtained. These results showed that the ability of the independent variable to explain the dependent variable was 0,22 or 22 percent, Whereas 78 percent was explained outside the research variable. Furthermore, based on the Travel Cost Method, the economic value of the Bukit Kaba NTP tourist area is IDR 215.521.346.820 with an average consumer surplus is IDR 12.645.740. So, in order to increase Non-Tax State Revenue (NTSR), the Rejang Lebong Regency Government can increase entrance retribution tariff Bukit Kaba NTP because it is still in accordance with the willingness to pay the tourists.