Perceptions of tourism destination and implications for environmental education: Findings from a student field study on protected area, Indonesia

University students have an essential role in developing ecotourism services and supporting environmental education. The research aims to explore students' perceptions of the object tourism, group behavior travel problems tourist destinations. Surveys interviews were conducted on who a field study Coban Tengah tourism destination, Indonesia. Students Undergraduate (S1) Master’s (S2) programs interviewed regarding objects, interactions, found site. Descriptive analysis chi-square statistics carried out meet objectives. results revealed that show positive significant perception beauty waterfall. S1 indicated halo effect phenomenon perceiving objects beauty, educational element, trekking paths. Grouping provides benefits protect or keep safety serves as place discuss conservation. S2 are less interested forming groups because they more experience independence than student. Groups build cooperation empathy, these can provide innovation for quality provision services.JEL Classification I28; Q26; Q58