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Abstract
The Gunungkidul Karst area in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is part of the National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN) and offers unique ecosystems and attractions, including caves, underground rivers, white sandy beaches, and karst cliffs. However, current tourism policies are outdated and need revision to address today’s dynamics. This research identifies the area’s tourism potential and challenges, proposing a sustainable development strategy. Data were collected through literature review, observations, and thematic map analysis. Findings reveal two main potentials: the northern mainland with caves and underground rivers, and the southern coast with beaches and karst cliffs. The recommended approach emphasizes sustainability across environmental, socio-cultural, and economic aspects. Practical strategies include developing key destinations (growth pole), enhancing benefits along travel routes (on-route benefits), and encouraging tourists to visit multiple destinations (spillover tourism). The recommendation from this paper is to ensure sustainable tourism in the Gunungkidul Karst Area by prioritizing balanced development through growth poles, on-route benefits, and spill-over tourist strategies to evenly distribute tourist traffic and economic benefits. Strengthen resource management, zoning enforcement, and community involvement to protect the fragile karst ecosystem while fostering local economic growth.