Deep praise to the God has been expressed as his blessing during setting up E-Journals of Tourism published by Centre of Excellence in Tourism Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali. E-Journal is a scientific journal or intellectual magazine that can be accessed through electronic transmission. E-Journal is a special form of an electronic document, which has the purpose of providing material for academic research and studies, as well as journal articles formatted in traditional print journals. Increasing the number of e-journals available as an open access journal, does not require a subscription and offer free full-text articles and reviews for all. Individuals of electronic journal articles can be found online for free: the working paper file and personal homepages. Some commercial journals find a way to offer free materials. They may offer their initial issue or problem-free, and then charge there after. Some give part of their book review for free. Others offer the first few pages of each article for free. This E-Journal is very important as a media of communication and information of research and study on tourism development. This journal is intended for researchers, intellectuals, academicians, and observers who are interested in tourism development. All the published articles are reviewed by peer reviewers. P-ISSN 2541-0857 E-ISSN 2407-392X
Centre of Excellence in Tourism Udayana University
Front Matter E-Journal of Tourism Vol. 13 No. 1 March 2026
Assessing Blue Lagoon Beach as a Special Interest Snorkeling Destination in Bali: A Qualitative Analysis of 4A Attributes, Activity Characteristics, and Management Implications
Marine tourism increasingly relies on experience-based coastal activities, and snorkeling has become one of the most accessible forms of special interest tourism in coral-reef destinations. However, the attractiveness of a snorkeling site cannot be assessed only through scenery; it also depends on destination readiness, safety, interpretation, and management capacity. This study examines Blue Lagoon Beach in Padangbai, Karangasem, Bali, with two objectives: first, to assess its feasibility as a special interest snorkeling destination through the 4A framework (attraction, amenities, accessibility, and ancillary services); and second, to analyse the characteristics of snorkeling activities and their implications for sustainable marine tourism. The study employed a qualitative descriptive design based on field observation, semi-structured interviews with local tourism actors and community stakeholders, and documentary review. Data were analysed thematically through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that Blue Lagoon possesses strong natural attractiveness, adequate tourism amenities, relatively convenient accessibility, and supporting ancillary services that make the destination operationally viable. Its snorkeling product is strengthened by calm shallow waters, local guide assistance, and learning opportunities related to reef etiquette and marine conservation. At the same time, the study indicates the need for stronger interpretive materials, visitor management, and conservation-sensitive governance to reduce ecological risk as visitation grows. The article argues that Blue Lagoon should be positioned not merely as a generic beach attraction, but as a community-based special interest marine destination whose competitiveness depends on balancing visitor experience with coral reef protection.
Competitiveness of Three Beach Destinations in Bali: A MANOVA-Based Comparison
Despite Bali’s millennia-long history of tourism development, understanding the competitiveness of its beach tourism destinations remains limited. Moreover, the island’s relatively small size has led many beach destinations to be located in close proximity to one another, offering similar attractions, activities, and management practices, which may blur their differentiation. This study aims to compare the competitiveness of three closely located beach tourism destinations—Pandawa Beach, Melasti Beach, and Uluwatu Beach—to examine whether significant differences exist among them. It also investigates whether the influence of the indicators used to measure tourism competitiveness differs across these destinations. Adopting a quantitative approach, data were collected from 258 international tourists using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to profile respondents and to reveal their perceived competitiveness for each destination, while multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to compare the effects of competitiveness indicators across the three destinations. The findings reveal significant differences in overall competitiveness among the three destinations, with Melasti Beach outperforming Pandawa and Uluwatu across most indicators. The results also indicate that certain competitiveness indicators exert varying effects on overall competitiveness across the destinations, while others show no significant influence. These findings suggest that even geographically proximate beach destinations can exhibit distinct competitiveness profiles. The study concludes with implications for destination management and offers recommendations for enhancing the competitiveness of beach tourism destinations in Bali. This study contributes to the limited empirical understanding of micro-level destination competitiveness in spatially concentrated tourism settings.
5A-Based Tourism and Local Economy: An Empirical Study of Koanara and Mulut Seribu, East Nusa Tenggara
This study analyzes the economic characteristics of local communities, the influence of 5A-based tourism development on local economic growth, and the environmental impacts of tourism activities in the Koanara and Mulut Seribu tourist destinations, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. This study used a mixed-methods approach with a concurrent embedded design. Data were collected from 97 respondents through purposive sampling and 10 key informants through snowball sampling. Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis with the SmartPLS 3.0 program was used to test five hypotheses regarding the influence of attractions, accessibility, accommodation, amenities, and awareness on community economic development. The results showed that local communities play a role as business owners (56%) and workers (44%), with 95% of business ownership coming from local residents. Most respondents reported increased income (80%) and improved family economic conditions (81%) after being involved in tourism businesses. The statistical test results prove that the five 5A components have a significant influence on the economic development of local communities (T-statistic > 1.96; p-value < 0.05), with the model able to explain 97.2% of the community's economic variance (R² = 0.972). The environmental impact analysis shows a more dominant positive influence, including improvements in physical infrastructure and socio-cultural preservation, although land conversion for accommodation and changes in social values ​​are important notes. These findings confirm that integrated tourism development based on 5A substantially contributes to local economic sustainability while still requiring strategic management to mitigate adverse environmental impacts.
Do Authentic Souvenirs and Co-created Shopping Experiences Enhance Shopping Satisfaction? Evidence from Indonesian Supermarket Tourism
The phenomenon of supermarket tourism has emerged as a new dimension of contemporary tourism, yet research on supermarkets as providers of authentic souvenirs remains limited. This study aims to investigate the influence of souvenir authenticity and collaborative shopping experiences on tourist shopping satisfaction in Indonesia. Using a case study design at representative supermarkets in key destinations (Pasarina in Jakarta, Hokky in Surabaya, and Pepito and Bintang in Bali), the study employs a quantitative approach. Data were collected through purposive sampling from 200 domestic tourists and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM-PLS) through SmartPLS 3.2.9. The findings indicate that souvenir authenticity and collaborative shopping experiences positively and significantly influence shopping satisfaction. These results suggest that supermarkets in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali are becoming culinary tourism destinations by curating authentic local products, such as artisan chocolate in Jakarta, culinary heritage products Spikoe and Blouder in Surabaya, and geographically based coffee and cocoa in Bali, while offering experiential activities. Managerial implications suggest that integrating local culture into modern retail strategies can enhance destination competitiveness.
Strategic Directions for Regenerative Urban Tourism in North Jakarta: An SLR-FGD and TOWS-Based Assessment
Urban coastal destinations face mounting pressures from environmental degradation, infrastructure limitations, and fragmented governance, while the application of regenerative tourism in dense metropolitan contexts remains limited. This study examines how regenerative urban tourism can be strategically developed in North Jakarta. The study applies a stepwise approach: a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify key concepts, followed by focus group discussions (FGDs) with stakeholders, such as government, tourism managers, community representatives, and MSMEs, to capture local conditions, the results are then evaluated using IFE–EFE matrices and synthesized through a TOWS analysis to formulate strategies. The findings indicate that North Jakarta has relatively strong internal capacity (IFE = 3.04) and a favorable external environment (EFE = 3.16), placing it in a “grow and build” position. Strategic priorities include developing eco-tourism and urban farming based on community greening initiatives, strengthening interactive cultural and heritage-based tourism, enhancing MSME digital capacity, and addressing environmental and infrastructure constraints such as waste management, flooding, and accessibility. This study contributes by demonstrating how regenerative tourism principles can be operationalized in an urban–coastal setting, offering a structured basis for strategy formulation in similar metropolitan destinations. Overall, the research emphasizes the need for integrative, community-driven, and climate-adaptive approaches that align ecological restoration with cultural continuity and inclusive economic growth.
Assessing Tourist Satisfaction with Tourism Infrastructure in Sawangan and Kaliangkrik Sub-districts, Magelang Regency
Infrastructure is a key driver of regional development that supports economic growth, social welfare, and the competitiveness of local tourist destinations. However, it is often not fully realized in various tourist destinations, such as in Magelang Regency. This study aims to measure the Tourism Infrastructure Service Satisfaction Index (IKLI) in Sawangan and Kaliangkrik Subdistricts, Magelang Regency. The research method employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, with the population consisting of residents, visitors, infrastructure users, and tourism managers. The sample was determined using purposive sampling, comprising 300 respondents across 17 tourist sites. Data collection involved questionnaires, interviews, and field surveys. The IKLI dimensions consist of four categories of satisfaction levels: accessibility, tourism facilities, public facilities, and supporting infrastructure. Data analysis used a 1–4 likert scale for each IKLI parameter. The IKLI scores indicated the highest satisfaction level for supporting infrastructure (3.04/C), while tourism facilities (2.67/C) and public facilities (2.64/C) had nearly identical scores (less satisfactory). Meanwhile, the lowest level of satisfaction was found in accessibility (2.55/D), caused by narrow roads and damaged road surfaces leading to several destinations, such as Nepal Van Java, Silancur Highland, Mangli Skyview, and Negeri Khayangan. These findings highlight the need for targeted infrastructure improvements, particularly in accessibility, public facilities, and tourism facilities, to support sustainable tourism development.
Mapping Edutourism in Lombok: Activities, Motivations, Facilities, and Management Challenges
Ideally, prospective visitors have comprehensive mapping about the nature of edutourism in Lombok. However, information regarding forms of edutourism, activities in the destinations, motivations of visitors and management challenges are limited. In accordance with its urgency, this current study ‘aimed’ at exploring: 1) The forms of edutourism available in Lombok; 2) facilities that supported the edutorism; 3) tourists’ motivations; and 4) management constraints and challenges. This study is a descriptive exploratory survey that maps 13 educational tourism destinations in Lombok, involving 1–2 management staff at each destination and 23 visitors (including 17 students). Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, observations, and documentation. The data were analyzed qualitatively: Classification, coding, reduction, and synthesis to generate conclusions and destination rankings. Edutourism in Lombok reflects educative practices. Although destinations offer nature-based and cultural experiences, uneven educational facilities and limited human resources reduce their effectiveness. Tourists are motivated by both learning and leisure, while challenges such as poor infrastructure, environmental issues, and weak management hinder development. Overall, Lombok’s strong potential requires a shift toward more structured, learning-centered, and sustainable edutourism. Theoretically, this current study improves tourists’ understanding of edutourism, ranking of activities of edutourism, visitors’ motivations and management challenges. Practically, those provide a basis for innovation in edutourism activities and tourism education; expand partnerships between universities and tourism destination managers, increases socio-economic and employment opportunities; and support sustainable tourism programs. Implicationally, it requires further collaborations and management professionalism.
Government Credibility, Official Communication, and Destination Reputation after Crisis: A Systematic Literature Review
In the aftermath of a crisis, rebuilding destination reputation and restoring tourist confidence is critical, where government credibility and effective communication are vital for regaining trust. This study aims to examine the factors that influence tourist confidence and destination reputation post-crisis, focusing on the impact of public policy, crisis communication strategies, and institutional trust, and develops a conceptual model for managing destination recovery and sustainability. This study employs a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA framework, using the Scopus database, and focusing on articles published from 2020 to 2025. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 articles were selected. A bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer was performed to map the relationships and trends in the studies included. Crisis communication, institutional trust, transparency, and government responses have proven to be pivotal in rebuilding trust and destination image. Additionally, social media, user-generated content, and influencer marketing are integral in maintaining loyalty and driving revisit intentions. The integration of public policy, strategic communication, and digital media is essential in restoring destination reputation post-crisis. Governments must leverage transparency, consistency in messaging, and social media to rebuild public trust and enhance the tourist experience. This study offers a new framework for post-crisis communication strategies, emphasizing the role of government credibility and consistent messaging in restoring tourist trust and destination reputation.
Integrating ABCD, SLA, and TALC in Tamansari Tourism Village Development
This study integrates the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) frameworks to provide a holistic understanding of community-based tourism in the Tamansari tourism village, Banyuwangi. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 informants, including representatives from Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), five local MSMEs, and two tourism attraction managers, supported by document analysis of revenue and visitor statistics. To enhance measurability, the study applies the OSOI framework, which analyzes asset categories in tourism development. Five asset categories were assessed: natural (82%), human (84%), social (92%), physical (72%), and financial (68%). The findings highlight three key pillars driving the tourism village: Tamansari BUMDes, Lunyau Coffee agrotourism, and Sendang Seruni spiritual tourism. These entities play significant roles in organizing tourism activities and fostering community participation. Based on the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) concept, Tamansari Tourism Village is currently in the development stage, characterized by infrastructure expansion and institutional strengthening. This study demonstrates that qualitative data can be transformed into quantifiable indicators, offering a more structured evaluation approach. Furthermore, the integration of ABCD, SLA, and TALC provides a novel analytical framework. ABCD provides the lens for asset mobilization, SLA evaluates the sustainability of livelihood outcomes, and TALC situates these processes within the temporal dynamics of destination development. It contributes to the theoretical advancement of community capability frameworks, particularly in strengthening local institutions and promoting livelihood diversification. While context-specific, this approach offers insights Although the findings are context-specific, this approach offers practical insights for future comparative studies on sustainable tourism village development.
Integrating Advanced Digital Technologies in Event Tourism: Reframing “Quantum Tourism” within Smart Destination Development in Bali
The acceleration of digital transformation in tourism has intensified the need for destinations to adopt advanced technologies to enhance competitiveness and visitor experience. While emerging narratives such as “quantum tourism” have gained attention, the concept remains theoretically ambiguous and empirically underexplored. This study aims to critically examine the role of advanced digital technologies in Bali’s event tourism ecosystem and to reassess the conceptual validity of “quantum tourism” within a smart destination framework. A qualitative-dominant mixed-method approach was employed, combining questionnaire data (n = 101) with semi-structured interviews and field observations involving key tourism stakeholders. The findings indicate that while digital technologies—particularly mobile platforms and Internet of Things (IoT)—are widely adopted (92.1%), stakeholders demonstrate limited understanding of advanced technological paradigms labeled as “quantum.” This study reframes “quantum tourism” as a metaphorical construct reflecting complexity, interconnectivity, and adaptive systems rather than a distinct technological domain. Managerial implications emphasize the need for realistic digital strategies, capacity building, and evidence-based technology adoption.
Investor Roles, Green Innovation, and Sustainable Tourism in Mandalika Special Economic Zone
Sustainable tourism has become a strategic priority in Indonesia, particularly in Special Economic Zones such as the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, where economic development must be balanced with environmental and social sustainability. This study examines the influence of investor roles and green innovation on sustainable tourism development. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was employed. The quantitative phase involved a survey of 100 tourism investors across accommodation, restaurant, and tour and travel sectors, analyzed using SmartPLS. This was followed by a qualitative phase consisting of interviews, observations, and focus group discussions with 25 stakeholders, including government representatives, industry actors, and local communities. The results indicate that both investor roles and green innovation have significant positive effects on sustainable tourism (Investor Role: β = 0.385, p < 0.001; Green Innovation: β = 0.281, p < 0.001), with an R² value of 0.575. These findings suggest that investor engagement and the adoption of environmentally oriented innovations contribute substantially to explaining variations in sustainable tourism performance. Qualitative findings further reveal that sustainable tourism development is supported by the alignment of investor activities, policy frameworks, and community participation, particularly in economic contribution, resource efficiency, and environmental practices.This study contributes to the empirical understanding of how investment and innovation interact in shaping sustainable tourism outcomes in emerging destinations.
Bali Art Festival and the Futures of Regenerative Tourism: Rethinking Festival Practices in Sustaining Intangible Cultural Heritage
The role of festivals in challenging the perception of local identity and regenerating intangible cultural heritage can be very important and, in the case of the oldest festival in Indonesia, Bali Art festival, is the most important outcome for sustaining intangible cultural heritage and regenerative tourism model. Drawing upon focus group discussions with artists, scholars, and festival stakeholders, the paper explores how PKB, held annually since 1979, navigates the complexities of artistic preservation, community participation, cultural policy, and tourism development. While originally initiated to support cultural continuity amid growing tourism, PKB has evolved into a site of intergenerational artistic transmission and creative renewal. The paper situates PKB within broader discourses on regenerative tourism, emphasizing its alignment with Balinese cosmology, particularly the practice of ngayah—voluntary service rooted in spiritual and communal devotion. The findings highlight PKB’s successes in promoting place-based identity, youth involvement, and policy-driven continuity, but also reveal structural challenges, including bureaucratic fragmentation, spatial inequity, under-compensation of artists, and the risk of cultural homogenization. By analyzing PKB as a “living lab” of regenerative tourism, the research contributes to current debates on how cultural festivals can evolve beyond commodification and serve as agents of cultural resilience, social learning, and community empowerment. The Bali art festival offers an important case study for understanding the transformative potential of festivals in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and fostering tourism practices that are culturally embedded, socially just, and ecologically restorative.
Tourists’ Perceptions of Short-Term Rental Regulation and Destination Loyalty in Bali: The Mediating Roles of Accommodation Value and Governance Trust
Short-term rental (STR) regulation has been widely discussed in relation to housing pressure, platform governance, and neighbourhood externalities, yet less is known about how tourists interpret such regulation in resort destinations. This study examines whether tourists’ perceptions of regulatory fairness, enforcement efficacy, and policy sustainability are associated with accommodation value, governance trust, and destination loyalty in Bali. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 500 international tourists across Bali’s main tourist corridors and spillover zones between January and August 2025. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with bootstrapping to assess measurement quality, direct associations, and indirect associations. The results indicate that all hypothesised relationships are positive and statistically significant. Enforcement efficacy shows the strongest association with accommodation value, regulatory fairness shows the strongest association with governance trust, and both accommodation value and governance trust are positively associated with destination loyalty. The indirect results further suggest that accommodation value and governance trust are important explanatory pathways linking policy perceptions with loyalty. This study contributes by integrating governance-based and marketing-based mechanisms in a single tourist-centred model and by showing how STR regulation is associated with destination loyalty through value and trust evaluations in Bali.
Front Matter E-Journal of Tourism Vol. 12 No. 2 September 2025
Determinants of Sustainable MSME Involvement in The MICE Business: Evidence from Yogyakarta
Meeting Incentive Conference and Exhibition (MICE) is one of the proud sectors of the tourism business for many destinations in Indonesia. Its ability to support the economy, particularly in absorbing labor through MSME, is the main reason MICE is a prioritized business. There are many factors that significantly impact the sustainability of the MICE business, involving organizers (EOs), suppliers (vendors), and project owners (government/private sector). This research aims to identify a number of factors that influence the sustainability of the MICE industry. Data observation was conducted using a sequential mixed method. In the qualitative data observation processed with NVIVO, 5 variables were successfully identified as theoretical constructs influencing the sustainability of the MICE business: Commitment; Product Innovation; Product Capacity; Product Quality & Control; Time, as well as one moderating variable: Payment. The payment variable plays an important role in supporting the provision and operation of Product Capacity, Product Quality & Control, and Time. On the quantitative data, those variables were then tested on 147 MICE practitioners consisting of organizers and suppliers using PLS-SEM to prove the validity of their influence on the sustainability of their businesses. Detailed discussions are presented further in this paper.
Psychological Dynamics of Travel Business Students’ Adaptation to Internships: An Interpretive Study in Indonesia
Industrial internships are a key component of vocational higher education, particularly in the tourism sector, as they bridge academic learning and workplace practice. However, students often encounter challenges when adapting to professional environments. This study aims to examine the psychological dynamics shaping students’ adaptation to industrial internships. This research adopts a small-scale qualitative interpretive approach based on in-depth structured interviews with 10 travel business students undertaking internships at travel agencies in Yogyakarta and Bali, Indonesia. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in students’ experiences. The findings reveal two major thematic groups influencing adaptation: facilitators and barriers. Facilitating factors include supportive work environments, positive interpersonal relationships, and clear internship structures, which enhance students’ confidence and sense of belonging. In contrast, barriers such as unclear job instructions, strict organizational cultures, logistical constraints, and language challenges generate stress and hinder adjustment. The adaptation process generally unfolds over one to two months, with an initial phase of role clarification followed by deeper social and cultural integration into the workplace. These findings highlight the importance of organizational and psychological support in internship design. While limited in scale, this study provides insights into how tourism students navigate early professional experiences and underscores the need for structured and supportive internship environments in the tourism industry.
Resilience Strategies of Star-Rated Hotels in the Soloraya Region in Response to Public Policy Dynamics
This study was motivated by the dynamics of public policy that affect the operational stability of star-rated hotels in the Soloraya region. These conditions require organizations to adopt adaptive resilience strategies to ensure business continuity.Therefore, this study aims to examine the organizational resilience strategies of star-rated hotels in the Soloraya region in response to the dynamics of public policy.The approach used is descriptive qualitative, employing in-depth interviews with the Chief Accountants of 20 star-rated hotels that are members of the AMKAH (Perkumpulan Manajer Keuangan & Akuntansi Hotel) Solo Chapter. Data analysis was conducted thematically through data reduction, categorization, and interpretation.The research findings indicate that organizational resilience is built through operational efficiency, workforce flexibility, and the strengthening of relationships with external stakeholders. Strategic innovations such as service digitization and the optimization of direct promotions are key factors in market adaptation. Furthermore, operational harmony is reinforced through participatory communication, collaborative leadership, and organizational learning. These findings confirm that the integration of adaptive, collaborative, and innovative strategies plays a significant role in building organizational resilience in the hotel industry. This study offers practical contributions to crisis management development and enriches research on business resilience in the hospitality sector.
Stakeholder Collaboration in Tourism Village Branding: The Case of Gombengsari
This study argues that cross-stakeholder co-creation, which aligns internal and external branding capabilities, is most effective in converting local assets into a coherent place brand; however, it is still limited by formalistic participation and institutional disharmony. Tourism village branding in Indonesia generally emphasizes promotion without integrating branding capabilities and co-creation, especially in the context of tourism villages. Therefore, we examined Gombengsari (Banyuwangi), which is based on coffee and Etawa goats, as a representative case. The research objective is to develop an integrated, co-creation-based lens to explain how assets are mobilized through the branding process to achieve economic outcomes and destination identity. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through observation, documentation, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with the government and community (purposive–snowball sampling), coded in NVivo, and analyzed interactively. The findings reveal three key assets, including natural, institutional, and social, driven by top-down (tiered policies) and bottom-up (community participation and the slogan “Come–Feel–Enjoy–Stay”) processes. Two brief pieces of evidence: (1) the budget of the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) of around Rp200 million/year limits funding for events and promotions; (2) a farm with ±200 Etawa goats produces ±300–500 liters/week, which has been successfully packaged as an educational experience. This article presents a co-creation ecosystem framework that integrates branding capabilities (both internal/external) and co-creation to enhance place branding and local economic benefits. Its limitations are its single case study and short temporal horizon, opening up space for comparative studies across destinations.
Leave No One Behind: Women's Participation in Sustainable Tourism Development in Kampung Sarugo
This paper aims to explain the condition of women in the rural tourism sector in accordance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 – to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Using the case study of Kampung Sarugo, this analysis examines the level of community participation, the limitations of community involvement in tourism development, and the commitment of the community to participate in rural tourism development. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews and focused group discussions with 5 female homestay managers, 2 tourism managers, 2 village government officials, and 5 traditional leaders. The data was analysed using qualitative analysis with priorities and alternative strategies. The results of this study indicate that the local community is highly enthusiastic about developing tourism in Kampung Sarugo. Women's involvement has had an economic impact on household income by developing Rumah Gonjong as a homestay. This demonstrates that tourism development with women's involvement has brought about changes in access, where women who were previously confined to the private sphere have shifted to the public sector. Women's involvement in the tourism sector also shows that gender-based rural tourism provides opportunities for household economic improvement. However, the current challenges include cultural, structural, and operational limitations, which must be anticipated to enhance community involvement and mobilise efforts in tourism development.
Gastronomic Motivation and Place Attachment through the Mediating Role of Gastronomic Experience: Evidence from Bandung, Indonesia
Gastronomy plays a central role in shaping tourists’ travel decisions, as authentic culinary experiences connect visitors with local culture and strengthen their attachment to destinations. This study examined the effect of gastronomic motivations on place attachment, with gastronomic experience as a mediating variable. A quantitative approach using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS 24 was employed to rigorously test the proposed relationships. Data were obtained from 400 valid questionnaires completed by tourists who had visited Bandung and tasted local cuisine within the past year. The sample size was determined using the Lemeshow formula, as the population size was unknown. The analysis involved confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess construct validity and measurement reliability, followed by structural model testing. The results demonstrated that gastronomic motivations had a significant positive effect on both gastronomic experience and place attachment. Furthermore, gastronomic experience was found to significantly enhance place attachment, confirming its mediating role. These findings highlight the importance of gastronomy as both a motivational and experiential driver of tourists’ emotional bonds with destinations. From a managerial perspective, the study provides practical and strategic insights for destination managers and tourism stakeholders in developing marketing strategies and innovative tourism products that emphasize local culinary identity and community-based gastronomic experiences. Limitations include the single-destination focus, cross-sectional and self-reported data, and limited generalizability. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs or comparative studies across multiple destinations.
Comparing Places of Worship as Tourist Destinations Based on Architectural Attraction: An Analysis on the West Indonesian Protestant Church (GPIB) Marga Mulyo, Yogyakarta
Religious‑heritage tourism in Indonesia has predominantly highlighted temples and mosques, leaving Protestant heritage sites such as the Western Indonesian Protestant Church (GPIB) Marga Mulya underrepresented in both scholarship and tourism promotion. This study aims to assess and compare the tourism potential of GPIB Marga Mulya, the oldest Protestant church in Yogyakarta, with other architecturally significant places of worship in Indonesia, to inform sustainable heritage‑tourism strategies. Using a comparative qualitative descriptive approach, the research applies SWOT analysis, supported by literature review, field observation, and interviews with church stakeholders, to evaluate historical value, architectural features, accessibility, and visitor engagement. Findings show that while GPIB Marga Mulya benefits from a central Malioboro location and rich Dutch colonial heritage, it is constrained by limited promotion, inadequate visitor facilities, and diminished visual prominence. In contrast, sites such as Cut Meutia Mosque in Jakarta and Santo Petrus Cathedral in Bandung leverage active programming, segmented community outreach, and event‑based attractions to strengthen their tourism appeal. This study contributes to expanding the scope of religious‑heritage tourism research to include Protestant sites and offers practical recommendations for positioning strategies, though its conclusions are limited to five case studies within the Indonesian context.
Tourist’ Behavior and Its Impacts to The Sustainability of Tours and Travel Operation: Evidence from Indonesia
Amid growing concerns over environmental degradation, cultural erosion, and social inequality, the behavior of tourists has undergone a notable transformation. In Indonesia, one of the world's most visited archipelagic nations, tourism businesses must adapt to shifting tourist expectations that increasingly prioritize sustainability. This study employs a qualitative-exploratory case study design across three major Indonesian destinations: Yogyakarta, Bali, and Labuan Bajo. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis involving travel agents, guides, and domestic and international tourists. Findings reveal that tourists, especially younger and international travelers, are becoming more critical of the social and environmental implications of their visits. Travel agents are responding by integrating sustainability narratives, building strategic local partnerships, and redesigning tour products to reflect ethical and ecological values. Notably, tour guides serve as key mediators, educating travelers and promoting responsible behavior. However, gaps in infrastructure, uneven stakeholder understanding, and increased operational costs remain significant barriers to full implementation. This study contributes a micro-level perspective on how tourist preferences directly impact the operational strategies of travel agents. It proposes a three-pillar framework, continuous education, community-based partnerships, and value-driven innovation, as a roadmap for sustainable transformation. A key limitation lies in the qualitative scope, which may not fully capture behavioral shifts at scale
Habitus and Capital in the Gastronomy Tourism Field: Cooking Class Businesses in Ubud, Bali
This study examines the practice of cooking class businesses as a form of gastronomic tourism attraction in Ubud, Bali. Cooking classes have rapidly expanded in this destination, yet attention to how they shaped by cultural practice and local strategies of capital conversion remains limitedly researched. Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practice, it analyzes how entrepreneurs and instructors mobilize and position their economic, cultural, and social capital within the tourism field. A qualitative approach was employed, combining participatory and non-participatory observation conducted at some cooking class sites in Gianyar Regency particularly at Ubud area and in-depth interviews to their owners or instructors. Data were analyzed through Bourdieu’s concepts of Habitus, Capital, and field to trace how practices emerged and are sustained. The findings reveal that cooking class practices are shaped by the interplay between habitus and various forms of capital. Cultural practices such as mebat (communal food preparation) and ngelawar(family cooking traditions) rooted in the socio-cultural and domestic fields serve as key sources of cultural and social capital. These resources are transformed and recontextualized into economic capital, enabling local actors to compete and gain recognition in the tourism field. The study shows that gastronomic tourism in Ubud, Gianyar is not only about economic gain but also about turning local knowledge and traditions into tourism experiences. Cooking classes serve as space for preserving culture, sharing community values, and provide local people to improve their livelihoods. The findings also underline the importance of support and policies that build local capacity while maintaining the authenticity of Balinese gastronomic heritage.
Travel Flow: Digital Solutions to Outgrow the Overtourism in Bali
Bali, as one of Indonesia’s premier tourism destinations, continues to face challenges of overtourism, particularly in popular areas such as Kuta, Ubud, and Sanur. This phenomenon has contributed to environmental degradation, declining visitor satisfaction, and limited benefits for local communities. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches that balance tourism growth with sustainability. This study evaluates the potential of TravelFlow, a smart-tourism application designed to manage visitor distribution and mitigate overtourism. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through observations and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, complemented by Internal–External Factor Analysis (IFAS–EFAS) and SWOT analysis to assess strategic feasibility. The findings reveal three major insights: first, TravelFlow demonstrates strong potential to redirect tourist flows toward alternative destinations, reducing pressure on overcrowded hotspots; second, successful adoption depends on aligning digital solutions with community participation and ensuring adequate infrastructure readiness; and third, integration with sustainable tourism policies is critical to ensure the application’s long-term effectiveness. The study highlights that application-based solutions such as TravelFlow can serve as practical tools to foster more balanced tourism development in Bali. By redistributing visitor flows, enhancing environmental responsibility, and promoting community involvement, smart-tourism initiatives hold promise in mitigating the negative impacts of overtourism while supporting a more sustainable and inclusive tourism future.
The Future of Rural Tourism in Bali, Indonesia: The Role of Social Media Platform
Digital transformation in Indonesia encourages the development of rural tourism as an instrument for local economic recovery. This study aims to test a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)-based model that integrates the role of Social Networking Sites (SNS) on the intention to participate in rural tourism and its impact on sustainability. The research method uses a quantitative survey with a convenience sampling approach. Data was collected through a Google Form which was distributed to 130 student respondents. Data analysis was carried out using SmartPLS to test structural models and relationships between variables. The results of the analysis showed that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control had a significant effect on the intention to participate in rural tourism. The use of social media has been shown to moderate the relationship between the SDG variables and the intention to participate. These findings confirm the validity of the proposed model. The implications of the research provide a theoretical contribution to the development of the SDG model in the context of digital tourism and practical for rural destination managers in designing social media-based marketing strategies. The limitations of research related to the use of convenience sampling require careful interpretation of the results regarding their external validity.
Beyond Consumption: Exploring Sensory, Symbolic, and Digital Influences in Gastronomic Tourist Behaviour (Evidence from Indonesia)
This study develops and empirically tests an integrative model of gastronomic tourist behaviour by connecting symbolic, sensorial, digital, and emotional dimensions of travel experience. Data from Indonesian domestic tourists (n = 384) were collected through structured surveys and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). Results reveal that embodied gastronomic encounters—particularly haptic interaction with food and place—are the strongest predictors of emotional attachment, tourist loyalty, and destination advocacy. Place branding further amplifies this effect, while social media stimulation contributes meaningfully but only in support of direct sensory experience. In contrast, digital engagement and cultural immersion exert marginal influence, suggesting that virtual promotion or heritage framing alone cannot sustain culinary tourism. Theoretically, these findings sharpen debates on experiential consumption by demonstrating that bodily immediacy and affective resonance mediate the impact of symbolic or digital triggers on behavioural outcomes. This challenges cognitive and representational accounts that overstate narrative or mediated experiences in shaping loyalty. Practically, the study calls for gastronomic destinations to design strategies that privilege multisensory engagement—taste, texture, and atmosphere—while embedding them in emotionally charged storytelling. By foregrounding the primacy of embodied experience, this research reframes culinary tourism not as a matter of digital visibility or cultural rhetoric, but as a sensorially grounded pathway to durable advocacy in an experience-driven travel economy.
Creating Quality Tourism Destinations: The Crucial Role of Community Participation and Government Support in Batur UNESCO Global Geopark - Bali
The quality of tourist destinations is determined by both supply and demand factors, highlighting the crucial role of stakeholder collaboration in achieving sustainable development. This study investigates how government initiatives and local community participation contribute to destination quality, with particular attention to community satisfaction. The research was conducted in the Batur Global Geopark, a UNESCO-recognized area that represents both natural and cultural heritage. Data were collected from 150 local community leaders through a self-administered questionnaire, and the analysis was carried out using Partial Least Squares Path Modelling (PLS-PM). The findings demonstrate that active community participation has a significant and positive impact on enhancing destination quality. Moreover, the study emphasizes that effective collaboration requires strong alignment between governmental development programs and community aspirations. Without such alignment, initiatives may face challenges in implementation and fail to address the actual needs of local stakeholders. This research provides practical implications for policymakers and destination managers. It suggests that participatory planning should be prioritized to ensure inclusiveness and long-term effectiveness. In addition, establishing continuous dialogue and communication channels between stakeholders—government, local communities, and tourism managers—is essential for fostering trust, shared responsibility, and sustainable growth. By integrating community perspectives into destination development strategies, policymakers can ensure that tourism not only attracts visitors but also enhances the welfare and satisfaction of the local population.
Unleashing Gastronomy Potential for Tourism Product Diversification in Labuan Bajo Manggarai Barat
This study explores how local gastronomy can diversify tourism products in Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat, a destination dominated by nature-based attractions. Using a qualitative case study, data were collected from 25 informants (local chefs, entrepreneurs, operators, community leaders, government) through 15 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions, complemented by participant observation. Thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) authenticity and cultural identity embedded in local dishes, (2) stakeholder collaboration gaps, (3) limited culinary promotion and infrastructure, and (4) emerging grassroots innovations. Findings show that while tourists value unique dishes such as jagung titi and se’i, their integration into tourism remains fragmented; collaborative events and culinary SMEs demonstrate potential models for scaling. The novelty of this study lies in mapping stakeholder collaboration mechanisms and proposing a staged experience model (education, taste exploration, cultural celebration) tailored for Labuan Bajo’s gastronomy sector. Integrating gastronomy into tourism strategies can extend visitor stays, strengthen local identity, and foster inclusive economic growth.
Legal Contradictions in Land Acquisition for Community-Based Tourism Villages in Indonesia
Tourism village development in Indonesia is expanding rapidly, with tourist arrivals projected to reach 13.74 million in 2024. Yet the legal framework for land acquisition has not adapted to this growth. The core issue lies in the tension between the public interest doctrine in Law No. 2 of 2012 on Land Acquisition, which legitimizes compulsory state power, and the mandate of community-based tourism (CBT) under Law No. 6 of 2014 on Villages and Law No. 10 of 2009 on Tourism, which requires participatory, community-driven development. This doctrinal gap produces uncertainty over how land acquisition for tourism villages should proceed in ways that advance development while safeguarding community rights. This study employs a normative legal method, combining statutory interpretation and conceptual analysis of “public interest,” “participation,” and “compensation” in the Land Acquisition Law, alongside relevant provisions of the Village and Tourism Laws and judicial decisions in acquisition disputes. The findings highlight three contradictions: first, Article 10’s expansive definition of “public interest” enables commercial tourism projects to qualify as public uses; second, consultation procedures are reduced to formalities without substantive participation; and third, NJOP-based compensation undervalues land and disregards communal tenure. This article contributes by proposing a reform agenda: redefining public interest with measurable criteria, integrating Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), harmonizing sectoral laws, and mandating community consent mechanisms to balance tourism development with the protection of local land rights.