Peran Wisata Kuliner Terhadap Pendapatan Masyarakat Lokal Kabupaten Samosir

Abstract

Samosir Regency is one of the leading tourist destinations in North Sumatra, renowned for the beauty of Lake Toba and the richness of Batak culture. In addition to natural and cultural attractions, the culinary sector has also become an important draw for tourists. Culinary tourism not only serves as a medium to introduce cultural identity through traditional food but also holds great potential in enhancing the local community’s economy. Therefore, it is important to examine how culinary tourism contributes to improving community welfare, particularly in tourist areas. This research aims to examine the extent to which culinary tourism contributes to increasing the income of local communities in Samosir Regency. Using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews and field observations, data were collected from culinary business owners in the Tuktuk Siadong tourism area. The findings indicate that culinary tourism plays a significant role in supporting the local economy, especially for entrepreneurs who preserve the authenticity of traditional Batak dishes such as saksang, arsik, and naniura. Strategic business locations, local workforce involvement, and digital promotion were identified as key supporting factors. However, several challenges persist, including differences in tourist taste preferences and limited use of digital marketing tools. Moreover, government support in the form of promotion and business training has not been evenly distributed, highlighting the need for more inclusive policies to ensure that all culinary entrepreneurs across Samosir benefit equitably from tourism development. Keywords: Culinary tourism, local income, MSMEs, Samosir, tourism promotion