Abstract

The development of local competency based on educational tourism is one of the central issues in entering the New Normal era in Indonesia. The problem is that there is no understanding of regional stakeholders regarding the strategic approach to developing local competency based on education tourism because the types of local potential that each region has are varied and different to be created so that added value can be a source of excellence (comparative, competitive) for each region that develops. The research method used is qualitative with a descriptiveanalytical approach. The results showed that the basic value and strategic value orientation of local competency development based on education tourism through a knowledge-based strategic approach were able to elevate the image of tourism as a leading multidimensional development sector. The knowledge-based strategic approach is understood by local stakeholders and is applied through the knowledge creation process. Therefore, the process of knowledge creation through socialization, externalization, combination and internalization (SECI) at tourism destinations or tourist attraction objects (TAO) is a best practice that needs to be replicated and used as an action orientation for stakeholders in developing areas.

Key words: Educational tourism, local competence, destinations, knowledge creation.