Grup Wisatawan Eropa Nikmati Seafood Khas Lokal di Arum Pala, Kabupaten Barru
oleh Dirk Sandarupa
Barru, 7 Agustus 2026 – Arum Pala Resto & Hotel kembali menjadi tempat persinggahan pilihan bagi wisatawan mancanegara yang melakukan perjalanan melintasi Kabupaten Barru, Sulawesi Selatan. Kali ini, rombongan wisatawan dari Eropa menikmati santapan seafood khas lokal dalam suasana yang hangat dan penuh keakraban.
Beragam hidangan berbahan dasar hasil laut disajikan dengan cita rasa khas Arum Pala. Bahan-bahan segar yang berasal dari wilayah pesisir Barru diolah menggunakan racikan bumbu lokal, kemudian disesuaikan dengan selera wisatawan internasional tanpa menghilangkan karakter kuliner daerah.
Para wisatawan terlihat menikmati hidangan bersama di meja panjang. Suasana santai, pelayanan ramah, dan nuansa bangunan tradisional memberikan pengalaman bersantap yang tidak hanya memuaskan dari sisi rasa, tetapi juga memperkenalkan keramahan serta kekayaan kuliner masyarakat Barru.
Owner Arum Pala, Katrina Patabang, menyampaikan bahwa kunjungan wisatawan internasional menjadi motivasi bagi pihaknya untuk terus mempertahankan kualitas makanan dan pelayanan.
“Arum Pala selalu berusaha menyajikan makanan dari bahan-bahan lokal yang segar. Kami merasa senang ketika para wisatawan menikmati hidangan yang kami sajikan karena melalui makanan, mereka juga dapat mengenal kekayaan alam dan keramahan masyarakat Barru,” ujar Katrina Patabang.
Sementara itu, pengelola Arum Pala sekaligus akademisi pariwisata, Dr. Dirk Sandarupa, M.Hum., MCE, menilai bahwa kuliner lokal memiliki peran strategis dalam menciptakan pengalaman perjalanan yang berkesan.
“Wisatawan tidak hanya melakukan perjalanan untuk melihat suatu tempat, tetapi juga ingin merasakan identitas daerah melalui makanan. Seafood khas lokal dapat menjadi media untuk memperkenalkan potensi pesisir, budaya, dan karakter masyarakat Barru kepada dunia internasional,” jelasnya.
Menurutnya, kunjungan grup dari Eropa tersebut memperlihatkan bahwa usaha kuliner lokal mampu menjadi bagian penting dalam mata rantai perjalanan wisatawan mancanegara. Kolaborasi antara pelaku usaha, nelayan, pemasok bahan pangan, dan masyarakat setempat juga dapat memberikan dampak ekonomi yang lebih luas.
Berlokasi strategis di jalur perjalanan Makassar–Parepare–Toraja, Arum Pala Resto & Hotel terus berkomitmen menghadirkan hidangan berkualitas, pelayanan yang bersahabat, serta pengalaman kuliner lokal bagi wisatawan nasional maupun internasional.
Kunjungan tersebut semakin memperkuat posisi Arum Pala sebagai salah satu tempat persinggahan kuliner di Kabupaten Barru yang mengangkat hasil laut lokal sekaligus memperkenalkan keramahan Sulawesi Selatan kepada wisatawan dunia.
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European Tourist Group Enjoys Local Seafood at Arum Pala in Barru Regency
by Dirk Sandarupa
Barru, August 7, 2026 – Arum Pala Resto & Hotel has once again welcomed international travelers passing through Barru Regency, South Sulawesi. This time, a group of European tourists stopped to enjoy a selection of locally inspired seafood dishes in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The visitors were served various seafood dishes prepared in Arum Pala’s distinctive style. Fresh ingredients sourced from the coastal areas of Barru were combined with local seasonings and carefully adapted to international tastes without losing their authentic regional character.
Gathered around long dining tables, the tourists appeared to enjoy their meal and the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant. Friendly hospitality and the traditional architectural setting offered them more than a satisfying dining experience—it also introduced them to the culinary richness and welcoming character of Barru.
Arum Pala owner Katrina Patabang said that visits from international tourists continue to motivate the establishment to maintain the quality of its food and service.
“Arum Pala always strives to serve dishes made with fresh local ingredients. We are delighted when international visitors enjoy our food because, through these dishes, they can also discover the natural richness and warm hospitality of Barru,” Katrina Patabang said.
Meanwhile, Arum Pala manager and tourism academic Dr. Dirk Sandarupa, M.Hum., MCE, emphasized that local cuisine plays a strategic role in creating memorable travel experiences.
“Travelers do not visit a destination merely to see a place; they also want to experience its identity through food. Local seafood can become a meaningful way to introduce Barru’s coastal resources, culture, and community character to an international audience,” he explained.
According to Dr. Dirk, the visit demonstrates how a local culinary business can become an important part of the international tourism journey. Cooperation among restaurant operators, fishermen, food suppliers, and local communities can also generate broader economic benefits for the region.
Strategically situated along the Makassar–Parepare–Toraja travel route, Arum Pala Resto & Hotel remains committed to providing quality dishes, friendly service, and authentic local culinary experiences for both domestic and international visitors.
The European group’s visit further strengthens Arum Pala’s position as one of Barru Regency’s notable culinary stopovers—promoting locally sourced seafood while sharing the warm hospitality of South Sulawesi with travelers from around the world.
