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Tourist Motivation to Visit Padang’s Old Town Area in the Post-
COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Donna Ikranova Febrina
1
, Mukti Diapepin
2
, Yenni Jufri
3
, Naufal Raid
4
, Yull Hartono
5
, Eley Suzana
Kasim
6
123
Business Administration, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Administrasi LPPN, Indonesia
456
Accounting Research Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000497
Received: 02 November 2025; Accepted: 08 November 2025; Published: 17 November 2025
ABSTRACT
The Oldtown of Padang is one of various potential historical tourist attractions, which is located on the edge of
the West Coast of Sumatra. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the old city of Padang has been deserted by
visitors. Since 2022 until now, the government of Padang city has opened the visitors to the oldtown tourist
attraction. It is hoped being able to motivate potential tourists to visit Padang. The purpose of this study is to
analyze the forms of Dutch Colonial heritage and cultural diversity that exist in the oldtown of Padang, as well
as to find motivating factors for tourists to visit traces of the past in the oldtown of Padang. This study uses a
qualitative-quantitative approach, with a SWOT analysis of tourist motivation in visiting the tourist attraction
of Padang oldtown. The results of this study indicate that tourist motivation to visit the oldtown of Padang is
influenced by internal and external factors regarding existing tourism products, both related to tourist
attractions and supporting factors.
Keywords: motivation, tourists, old city, internal and external analysis
INTRODUCTION
The tourism sector is one of the main drivers of Indonesia's economy, contributing significantly to foreign
exchange earnings, job creation, and regional development. However, the Covid-19 pandemic that has been
ongoing since early 2020 has dealt a heavy blow to the national tourism industry, including in West Sumatra.
Restrictions on mobility, closure of travel access, and social restrictions have caused a drastic decline in tourist
visits (Wijaya et al., 2020). Padang's Old Town, which was previously crowded with tourists due to its
historical and cultural value, experienced stagnation during the pandemic.
After Covid-19, the world of tourism in Indonesia began to revive. For more than two years, the tourism
sector, including in West Sumatra, was virtually paralyzed. This situation is understandable, as the pandemic
and the restrictions on movement imposed by the government were the causes of the decline in the tourism
sector, especially in Old Padang.
Padang Old Town is unique for its traces of Dutch colonial heritage, European and Chinese-style architecture,
and the cultural acculturation of Minangkabau with Chinese, Indian, and Nias communities. This area offers
not only physical attractions in the form of historic buildings but also cultural events such as the Cap Go Meh
festival and the Serak Gulo tradition, which reflect diversity and social tolerance (Kompas, 2023). These
historical and cultural legacies position Padang Old Town as a heritage tourism destination with strong
potential for sustainable development.
In the post-pandemic period, opportunities have emerged to restore and enhance the tourism appeal of Padang
Old Town, in line with the growing interest of travelers in culture- and history-based destinations. Chen and
Petrick (2019) show that post-pandemic tourist motivation is increasingly driven by the need for authentic
experiences, health, relaxation, and new knowledge. These factors align with global trends in sustainable
tourism, which emphasize deep experiences, authenticity, and environmental sustainability.
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The Old Town of Padang is unique in that it features traces of Dutch colonial heritage, European and Chinese-
style architecture, and the acculturation of Minangkabau culture with the Chinese, Indian, and Nias
communities. This area not only has physical attractions in the form of historic buildings, but also cultural
attractions such as the Cap Go Meh celebration and the Serak Gulo tradition, which are evidence of the
diversity and tolerance of the community (Kompas, 2023). This historical and cultural heritage makes Old
Town Padang a potential destination for sustainable heritage tourism.
Post-pandemic, there is an opportunity to restore and enhance the tourist appeal of Old Town Padang as
interest in cultural and historical destinations grows among travelers. A study by Chen & Petrick (2019) shows
that post-pandemic tourist motivation is driven more by the need for authentic experiences, health, relaxation,
and new knowledge. These factors are in line with global trends in sustainable tourism that emphasize in-depth
experiences, authenticity, and environmental sustainability.
In addition, internal problems in Padang's Old Town, such as poor waste management, slow revitalization of
old buildings after the earthquake, and limited transportation and supporting facilities, are obstacles that can
reduce the destination's appeal.
In this context, understanding tourist motivation is very important. Tourist motivation not only explains the
reasons individuals travel, but also forms the basis for developing destination marketing strategies. According
to the push and pull factors theory, tourist motivation can be divided into two categories: push factors, which
originate from individuals' internal needs, such as seeking new experiences, relaxation, or broadening their
horizons, and pull factors, which originate from the external attractions of a destination, such as cultural
attractions, competitive prices, and adequate facilities (Ramawati, 2022; Arifin & Hidayat, 2021).
To maintain and increase the number of visits and services to tourists, tourism managers need to know what
factors attract and motivate foreign and domestic tourists to visit Padang Old Town. If the appeal of the tourist
destination and the motivation of tourists are fulfilled as expected, They will surely be satisfied and come back
again.
Previous studies on tourist motivation in Indonesia have been conducted, such as the study by Utama &
Junaedi (2017) in Blimbingsari Tourism Village and Safitri et al. (2019) in Sumenep, but there have not been
many studies that specifically highlight tourist motivation in the context of heritage tourism in West Sumatra.
Therefore, this study is expected to fill the literature gap by analyzing the factors that motivate tourists to visit
Old Town Padang after the pandemic.
The research questions are:
1. What forms of Dutch colonial heritage and cultural diversity exist in Padang's Old Town?
2. What factors motivate tourists to visit Padang's Old Town after the pandemic?
The purpose of this study is to analyze Dutch colonial heritage, cultural diversity, and tourist motivation
factors in visiting Padang's Old Town. This research also aims to provide recommendations for sustainable
tourism management strategies for local governments and tourism industry players in Padang.
Another impact of this satisfaction is verbal and written recommendations to colleagues and family members
of the tourists. A further effect that follows this level of satisfaction is an increase in the number of visits from
the tourism sector in Padang City.
The presence of domestic and foreign tourists in Padang's Old Town is determined not only by the
attractiveness of the destination but also by the motivation of the tourists.
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Fandeli (2021), a person's motivation to travel is triggered by internal factors that encourage
them to take a trip and external factors that attract them to take a trip. Attractive factors are the appeal of a
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tourist destination. Knowing the motivation for traveling can determine the factors that encourage and attract a
person to travel to a tourist destination.
Motivation, in Pitana's (2005) view, is fundamental to the study of tourism, because motivation is the trigger
for the process of travel. Tourism motivation is increasingly important to understand when linked to tourism as
a global social phenomenon, where people's behavior is influenced by various motivations.
The purpose of their visit to the old town of Padang is, of course, to have fun and feel satisfied. Other motives
include gaining knowledge, experience, and so on. The current trend among young people is to take selfies
with unique backgrounds and then upload them to social media.
There have been studies related to the motivation of tourists to visit a particular destination. Rai Utama and
Ruspendi Junaedi (2017) in Tourist Motivation to Visit Blimbangsari Tourism Village in Jembrana, Bali,
explained that the factors that drive tourists do not have a significant effect on tourist arrivals to Blimbingsari
Tourism Village. However, the attractiveness of Blimbingsari Village has a significant effect on tourist arrivals
to this village.
Safitri, Wicaksono and Maulidi (2019) describes the results of factor analysis, namely that tourist motivation
priorities differ based on tourist characteristics. As with natural tourist attractions, the biggest factor
influencing tourist motivation is the tourism offering. With cultural tourist attractions, the biggest factor
influencing tourist motivation is basic needs, and with man-made tourist attractions, the biggest factor
influencing tourist motivation is motive. From the relevant research above, there are no studies that discuss the
analysis of tourist motivation for visiting the old town of Padang.
Research Method
This study uses quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative analysis used is descriptive
quantitative analysis using descriptive statistics. The results of the processing will be presented in the form of
numbers so that they are easy to interpret (Sugiyono, 2020). The nature of this analysis is only to organize and
analyze numerical data, to provide a regular, concise, and clear description of the state of tourism in the old
town of Padang.
The researcher conducted the study based on the conditions experienced in the old town of Padang, by trying
to gather information in the field, without influencing the informants. In qualitative research, the design can be
prepared in advance, but it is not complete. Once the design is in use, it can be supplemented and refined
(Moleong, 2004).
The design is constantly changed and adjusted based on the data obtained in the field and new knowledge
discovered. Qualitative research is interpretive in nature and involves methods of examining the issues being
studied.
Qualitative research aims to explain phenomena by collecting data relevant to the research objectives,
explaining phenomena in depth through data collection. Qualitative research is essentially observing people in
their living environment, interacting, trying to understand language and interpretation in the surrounding
situations and conditions (Yusuf, 2017).
The qualitative approach is carried out based on the natural circumstances and environment. Data and field
information are then used to draw meaning and concepts in accordance with the events experienced during
observation. The qualitative approach is a research approach oriented towards natural phenomena. Due to this
orientation, it is natural and fundamental in nature and requires fieldwork. Therefore, this type of research is
called a field study (Nanang, 2010).
The researcher tries to understand the explanations obtained from relevant sources related to the research.
Quantitative data is collected by distributing questionnaires. The questionnaire consists of questions that
describe the attributes of tourist attraction and motivation. This Likert scale questionnaire was distributed to
tourists in the old town of Padang from March to May 2023.
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The next analysis is a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis, which is a qualitative
analysis that examines internal factors (strengths, weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities, threats).
The results of this analysis are expected to provide a basic overview of the strategies needed to achieve the
objectives. SWOT analysis is a form of analysis that compares internal factors with external factors.
Strengths and weaknesses occur more often in the internal environment, while opportunities and threats occur
more often in the external environment. This analysis method is based on logic, with the aim of maximizing
potential and opportunities. However, at the same time, it is able to minimize obstacles and threats with the
hope of producing targets and measures to achieve objectives (Irawan, 2007).
The strategies produced in the SWOT analysis in this research include: (1) SO, used to take advantage of
opportunities available in the external environment; (2) WO, used to improve internal weaknesses by taking
advantage of opportunities from the external environment; (3) ST strategy, used to minimize the impact that
will occur from the external environment; (4) WT, aimed at minimizing internal weaknesses and reducing
external challenges.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Traces of Dutch Colonial Heritage in Old Padang City
The existence of Old Padang City is inseparable from the influence of the Dutch colonial presence on the west
coast of Sumatra. Specifically, August 7, 1669, was designated as the founding date of Gemeente Padang, the
capital of Sumatra Westkust (Sufyan, 2018). Initially, Padang was just a fishing village at the mouth of the
Batang Arau River. After the Dutch arrived under the banner of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie
(VOC), the area became a bustling port.
Large-scale development along the Batang Arau port made Padang one of the largest cities on the island of
Sumatra. The Dutch government at that time was actively building office buildings, trade representatives, and
lodges along Batang Arau.
Most of the Dutch colonial heritage that still survives today and attracts the attention of foreign and domestic
tourists is located in Batang Arau, Pasar Tanah Kongsi (Pondok village), and the old markets (Pasar Gadang,
Pasar Mudik, Pasar Batipuh, and Pasar Malintang) (Sufyan, 2021).
One of the Dutch colonial buildings that is still well maintained today. According to records, this building was
constructed almost 100 years ago, on March 31, 1921. The colonial government at that time built the building
for the offices of De Javasche Bank Padang. This office was one of 12 branch offices throughout Indonesia
built by De Javasche Bank, including Aceh, Medan, Bandung, Jakarta, Cirebon, Surabaya, Manado, and
Pontianak.
Another building is the Padangsche Spaarbank. This two-story building, approximately 10 meters high, was
once used as a bank. The art deco architectural style is very evident in this building. The Muhammadan
Mosque, located in Pasar Batipuh, Padang Selatan District, is also situated in the old town of Padang. The
green-painted mosque is a legacy of the Indian Muslim community. Built in 1843, the mosque was constructed
using sand, lime, and sugar. However, in the 20th century, its structure was renovated using cement without
altering its original form (Tempo, 2023).
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Picture 1 The atmosphere of Padang's old town, located on the edge of Batang Arau Harbor. Source:
(Republika, 2014)
Cap Go Meh Celebration and Serak Gulo Tradition: Icons of Diversity in Padang City
Entering another area, which is part of the icon of Padang's old town—is a building located in Berok Nipah,
West Padang District. During the Dutch East Indies period, this atmosphere was very strong in the area. This is
because it was once a bustling commercial center for the Padang municipality (Haluan, 2023).
The Tanah Kongsi Market, which is a major part of Kampung Pondok, is an undeniable fact of cultural fusion
in Padang during the Dutch East Indies period. Uniquely, the area was influenced by Chinese culture. It even
became home to See Hien Kiong, known as Vihara Tri Darma or Kelenteng See Hien Kiong, which was
founded in 1905 (Media Indonesia, 2016).
One of the facts of cultural diversity among ethnic groups in Padang City is the celebration of Chinese New
Year in Pondok Village, which is not only celebrated by the Chinese ethnic group but also by other ethnic
groups in Padang City. After being suspended in 2020-2022, Cap Go Meh was once again celebrated on a
large scale in 2023.
Picture 2 The Cap Go Meh celebration on February 5, 2023 was lively. This celebration had been suspended
for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Source: (Kompas, 2023)
On February 5, 2023, the Cap Go Meh celebration was once again enlivened despite the rain. On Sunday, the
peak of the celebration was centered under the Siti Nurbaya Bridge in the Kampung Pondok Village, Padang
Barat District. Thousands of Padang residents gathered to watch the Chinese ethnic cultural event. The rain
that fell in the afternoon did not dampen the residents' enthusiasm to watch the cultural celebration (Kompas,
2023).
In addition to the Cap Go Meh celebration, another cultural attraction that showcases diversity and attracts the
attention of foreign and domestic tourists is the serak gulo tradition. Similar to the Cap Go Meh celebration,
which was temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the serak gulo tradition was celebrated again
on December 24, 2022 (Haluan, 2022).
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The Serak Gulo tradition is an annual event held in front of the Muhammadan Mosque, Jalan Pasa Batipuh,
Kelurahan Pasa Gadang, Kecamatan Padang Selatan. During this celebration, thousands of people gather in the
streets to participate in a tradition that is more than three centuries old, long before the arrival of the Dutch on
the west coast of Sumatra (Zed, 2009).
Figure 3 The serak gulo tradition held at the Muhammadan Mosque in Pasar Batipuh, Padang City. This
tradition was celebrated again in 2022, after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19. (Kompas, 2020)
The tradition begins with collecting sugar from donations made by the community, which is then wrapped in
small pieces of colorful cloth. Next, the sugar packages are thrown from the top of the Muhammadan Mosque
building to be scrambled for by the residents crowding below.
This diversity means that tourists visiting the old town of Padang have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of
tourist attractions. Tourists visiting Padang acknowledge that the old town's tourist destinations offer diversity,
plus the legacy of Dutch colonialism.
Additionally, there is natural tourism in the form of beautiful scenery along Muaro Padang Beach, as well as
diverse cultural attractions. This demonstrates the potential of tourist attractions in the old city of Padang,
promising various pleasures for tourists.
Table 1 Tourist Responses to Padang Old Town Destinations
No
Objective Variabel
Result
Figures
1
attraction
Excellent
4,30
2
accesibility
Fairy Good
3,35
3
ammenities
Good
3,50
Source: Processed from 2023 questionnaire data
Based on Table 1 regarding tourist responses to the old town of Padang as a destination, it shows that existing
tourist and cultural attractions are generally rated as very good by tourists, facilities are categorized as good,
and accessibility is considered adequate. This is evident from the fact that the attraction variable received the
highest score compared to accessibility and amenities, indicating that tourist attractions are the primary factor
driving tourists to visit Padang City.
Additionally, the positive reception from the local community contributes to providing comfort and a sense of
security for tourists enjoying their vacation, which is one of the reasons motivating tourists to revisit the old
city of Padang.
Tourism industry players in Padang are also recognized as having good management skills. However, the
management of tourist attractions is still considered adequate. Overall, the existing tourist attractions are rated
as good by tourists visiting the old city.
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Accessibility is an important supporting factor that influences tourist visits to a tourist destination, whether by
air, land, or sea. No matter how attractive the tourist attractions are, if they are very difficult to reach, they may
not be chosen as tourist destinations. Therefore, the availability of transportation facilities and infrastructure is
absolutely necessary.
The availability of air and land transportation modes, including routes and schedules to and from the old town
of Padang, was rated as good by tourists who participated as respondents, while the condition of the roads
leading to tourist destinations was rated as representative. The availability of sea transportation was only rated
as adequate. Overall, accessibility to the old town of Padang was rated as quite satisfactory.
Figure 3: Bendi, traditional transportation ready to serve foreign and domestic tourists visiting the old town of
Padang. Source: (Tempo, 2012).
Amenities or tourist facilities at tourist destinations were generally rated as good by participating tourists. The
availability of restaurants at tourist destinations was rated as very good. The availability of clean water is only
considered adequate. Meanwhile, health, electricity, telecommunications, security, TIC, and the availability of
facilities for selling souvenirs and food specialties of Padang City are considered good. In the strategy for
visiting a tourist destination, it is important to increase the motivation to visit so that they will return to the old
city of Padang.
Tourist Motivation to Visit the Old City of Padang
There are two important factors that motivate tourists in determining the tourist destinations they visit. This
condition certainly applies to tourists visiting the tourist destination of Old Padang. The two factors in question
are push and pull factors.
Based on tourist respondents, it shows that the motivation for visiting Old Padang is caused by three main push
factors,: gain a new knowledge and experience, visit new place, dan rest and relaxation.
The attracting factors include nature, history, and reasonable prices. The data shows that the drivers of tourists
visiting the old town of Padang are in line with current global tourism patterns. They not only want to escape
their daily routines, but also seek new knowledge and experiences. They visit tourist areas that they have not
been to before, and their ultimate goal is to rest and relax.
As for what motivates tourists to visit the old city of Padang as a tourist destination, it is more about the charm
of nature and the traces of Dutch colonial heritage. In addition, they are driven by curiosity about the history of
acculturation and harmonization of the Minang, Chinese, Indian, and Nias ethnic groups, which are certainly
very different from the conditions in their home countries. The affordability of the prices or costs incurred for
this tourist trip also motivates tourists to visit the old city of Padang.
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Basically, tourists are motivated to travel by several things. First, physiological motivation, including
relaxation, health, comfort, participation in sports activities, leisure, and so on.
Second, cultural motivation, which is the desire to learn about the culture, customs, traditions, and arts of other
regions. This includes an interest in various cultural objects. Third, interpersonal motivation (social
motivation), such as visiting friends and family (VFR - Visiting Friends and Relatives), meeting business
partners, doing prestigious things, going on pilgrimages, escaping from boring situations, and others.
Fourth, fantasy motivation, which is the fantasy that in other regions one can escape from boring daily
routines, and ego enhancement that provides physiological satisfaction (McIntosh, 1997). The factors that
encourage tourists to visit the old city of Padang, when viewed from a SWOT analysis, are influenced by
external and internal factors.
Table 2 Internal and external factors of tourist motivation to visit the old city of Padang
Internal Factors
Strenght
i. The beauty of natural attractions around
Muaro Padang Beach and Mount Padang.
ii. The cultural pluralism of Minangkabau,
Chinese, Indian, and Nias.
iii. European-style buildings are an important part
of the Dutch colonial heritage in Padang City.
iv. The community's acceptance of tourists.
v. The Siti Nurbaya Festival, which has been
held since November 2019.
Eksternal Factors
Opportunity
i. Tourists love the natural atmosphere around
the old town of Padang, which is close to the
legendary Batang Arau harbor, Muaro Beach,
and the exotic Mount Padang.
ii. Tourists love the Dutch colonial heritage, in
the form of European-style buildings along
Batang Arau, the old market, and Tanah
Kongsi–Pondok.
iii. Tourists seek places to rest and relax.
iv. Tourists gain new knowledge and
experiences—especially spices at Gadang
Market, Mudik Market, and Batipuh Market.
v. Tourists want to visit new places.
Source: Compiled from questionnaire data for the year 2023
The internal and external factors in Table 2 above are factors that motivate tourists to come to the old town of
Padang. Strengths in internal factors are strengths possessed by tourist destinations that motivate them to visit
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the old town of Padang. Meanwhile, weaknesses are things that can weaken tourists' motivation to visit.
Opportunities in external factors are things that support and increase tourists' motivation to visit the old town
of Padang. Meanwhile, threats are things that can threaten tourists' motivation to return to Padang.
Table 3 Strategies for Internal and External Factors that Motivate Tourists to Visit the Old Town of Padang
Strategi SO
Strategi WO
i. Preserve the natural atmosphere
surrounding the old town of Padang,
which is close to the legendary Batang
Arau harbor, Muaro Beach, and the exotic
Mount Padang.
ii. The Padang Municipal Government must
preserve Dutch colonial heritage, namely
European-style buildings along Batang
Arau, Pasar Tua, and Tanah Kongsi –
Kampung Pondok.
iii. Maintain the community's attitude towards
tourists so that they feel comfortable and
safe while enjoying their activities.
iv. Preserve the Siti Nurbaya festival as part
of the icon of the old city of Padang.
i. Improve tourism management
based on the old town.
ii. The Padang Municipal
Government must immediately
rehabilitate old buildings
damaged by the earthquake on
September 30, 2009.
iii. Improve the ability of tourism
operators in waste
management.
iv. Raise awareness to adjust the
price standards offered to
tourists.
v. Improve services for sea
transportation, which connects
to islands outside the city of
Padang.
Strategy ST
Strategy SW
i. Preserve the natural atmosphere
surrounding the old town of Padang,
which is close to the legendary Batang
Arau harbor, Muaro Beach, and the exotic
Mount Padang.
ii. Preserve and maintain Dutch colonial
heritage, in the form of European-style
buildings along Batang Arau, Pasar Tua,
and Tanah Kongsi – Kampung Pondok.
iii. Continue to promote tourism through
websites, brochures, and other means.
i. Enhance the potential of
managing old town tourism,
and promote it outside the
region and abroad.
Source: Processed from questionnaire data for the year 2023
The first strategy focuses on maintaining the natural and cultural assets that make Padang’s Old Town
distinctive. The area’s rich cultural diversity, ranging from Minangkabau to Chinese, Indian, and Nias heritage,
must be safeguarded as a key attraction for both domestic and international visitors. Preserving community
acceptance and ensuring that tourism-related prices remain affordable and aligned with standard market values
are also crucial. When tourists perceive fair value and are able to immerse themselves in authentic cultural
experiences, the likelihood of repeat visits increases, thereby reinforcing Padang’s position as a sustainable
heritage tourism destination.
Second, governance and management improvements are urgently needed to strengthen tourist services.
Training programs for tourism operators and managers can ensure that services meet international standards
and cater to the evolving expectations of visitors. Good governance also requires transparent coordination
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between government agencies, local communities, and private stakeholders to ensure that tourism is managed
inclusively. Alongside this, the conservation of Dutch colonial heritage buildings should be prioritized through
sustainable tourism principles, incorporating environmental awareness and strong community participation.
This will not only maintain the authenticity of the built heritage but also foster local ownership in tourism
development.
Third, infrastructure and supporting facilities in the Old Town must be enhanced to create a more comfortable
and satisfying visitor experience. This includes improving the availability and quality of accommodations,
restaurants, souvenir shops, and clean water facilities, as well as investing in environmentally friendly waste
management systems. At the same time, cultural events such as the Siti Nurbaya Festival, which in 2022
successfully attracted over one million visitors, should be further developed and promoted. By strengthening
both physical facilities and cultural attractions, Padang can provide a holistic tourism experience that appeals
to a wide range of visitor motivations.
Finally, strengthening connectivity and knowledge development is essential for long-term growth. Land, sea,
and air transportation facilities need to be upgraded to improve access to Padang’s Old Town and facilitate
tourist flows. Promotional activities should also be extended to tourists’ countries of origin through digital
marketing, international collaborations, and cultural diplomacy. Equally important is the need for continuous
academic and professional studies on historical tourism, which can provide evidence-based recommendations
for policymakers. Collaboration between scholars, practitioners, and tourism observers—both locally and
nationally, will ensure that development strategies remain adaptive, innovative, and aligned with global trends
in heritage tourism.
CONCLUSION
The results of testing the relationship between tourist motivation and the old town of Padang prove that the
internal and external factors that encourage tourists to visit the old town of Padang cannot be separated from
their motivation to enjoy the Dutch colonial heritage. Domestic and foreign tourists who come to Padang's old
town are motivated to visit new places; to learn and experience new things, socialize; enrich their
intellectuality; and visit family and friends.
The attractions of Padang's old town include the beauty of the West Sumatra coast in the city of Padang; old
Dutch colonial heritage buildings; the acculturation of Minang, Chinese, Indian, and Nias cultures; the
availability of representative accommodation; the availability of Minang cuisine; and public facilities.
Efforts that can be made to respond to the factors that attract tourists back to the old city of Padang include
swift action by the Padang City Government to immediately revitalize old buildings that have been ravaged by
age and the adverse effects of earthquakes, improve the management of historical tourism, and so on.
Efforts to address current weaknesses include training all components involved in tourism management in the
old city, starting with administrative skills, databases, and the internet, as well as offering tour packages to
foreign and domestic tourists.
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ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
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