The role of social capital and individual competence on community resilience of the tourism industry against climate change

Abstract

Abstract Climate change threatens the sustainability of tourism destinations characterized by increase frequency of flooding, coastal erosion, and ecosystem changes that result in infrastructure damage or decreased aesthetics of tourism destinations. This research aims to develop a conceptual model of community resilience to climate change based on two construct variables: social capital and individual competencies needed to strengthen tourism resilience to climate change in Gili Ketapang Island and Cacalan Beach. A quantitative approach was used by administering a questionnaire to 128 randomly selected respondents (tourism industry stakeholders) in coastal destinations in Indonesia. Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS to develop the model. The results showed that social capital and individual competence has a significant effect on the resilience of tourism community towards climate change in coastal tourist destinations. Social capital, including social networks and trust also has a significant effect on individual competence. Individual competence plays a mediating role in the influence of social capital on community resilience. Increased social capital and individual competence will strengthen community resilience. These findings can be applied to develop more appropriate resilience programs for tourism industry communities against climate change in the form of policies, training, and/or socialization to support the sustainability of tourism destinations.