Peningkatan Daya Saing Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah (UMKM) Kuliner dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Pendapatan Pelaku Usaha (Studi Kasus : Presepsi Pelaku Usaha Wisata Kuliner Oepoi Kota Kupang)

Pieter Yansen Hale Student ID 31121028 With the title: Enhancing the Competitiveness of Culinary MSMEs and Its Impact on Business Owners’ Income (Case Study: Perceptions of Business Owners at Oepoi Culinary Tourism Area, Kupang City) Supervised by Mrs. Enike Tje Yustin Dima, S.E., M.E as Supervisor I and Mrs. Maria Imakulata Pongge, S.E., M.Ec., Dev as Supervisor II. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the culinary sector play a strategic role in promoting local economic growth, particularly in the Oepoi Culinary Tourism Area of Kupang City. The increasing number of business actors has led to intense competition, requiring culinary MSMEs to enhance their competitiveness in order to survive and increase business income. This study aims to identify the profile and condition of culinary MSMEs in the Oepoi area of Kupang City, analyze the factors influencing the competitiveness of culinary MSMEs, and examine the impact of competitiveness on business owners’ income. This research employs a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with culinary MSME owners in the Oepoi Culinary Tourism Area, direct observation, and supporting documentation. The data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative techniques, including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the competitiveness of culinary MSMEs in the Oepoi Culinary Tourism Area is influenced by several key factors, namely product quality, menu innovation, marketing strategies—particularly the use of digital media— customer service, and strategic business location. MSMEs that are able to enhance competitiveness through innovation and digital marketing tend to experience an increase in the number of customers and business income. Conversely, business owners who still rely on conventional methods face challenges in maintaining their income amid increasingly intense competition. The conclusion of this study indicates that improving the competitiveness of culinary MSMEs has a positive effect on business owners’ income in the Oepoi Culinary Tourism Area of Kupang City. Therefore, continuous support from local government and capacity building for MSME actors in business management, innovation, and the utilization of digital technology are needed to encourage income growth and business sustainability.