The Development of “English Island” as the Main Support of the New Normal Era Tourism Sector in Mentawai Islands

Abstract

The tourism sector has become one of the global phenomena that continues to grow and its needs also change. Since the Covid-19 outbreak throughout the world, tourism has also been affected. Based on this, reforms and even improvements in the quality of tourism are needed, one of which is an increase in English skills in Mentawai Islands. The purpose of this research is to study the English needs of the people in the Mentawai Islands and to develop the island of England as education in increasing the global tourism sector in the Mentawai Islands. This type of research is descriptive with a qualitative approach. The data collection techniques used were interviews, observations, and documents required in this study. The results show that the English language skills of the people in the Mentawai Islands are still very low so it is difficult to communicate with foreign tourists, this will impact the local economy and also tourism promotion in the Mentawai Island. In addition, English language training in realizing "English Island" is very necessary for the people of the Mentawai Islands. Therefore, the role of the local government and related agencies is needed in developing the English Island program, especially in the New Normal Era so that tourism in the Mentawai Islands will become more global.