Community Readiness in Implementing Sustainable Tourism on Small Islands: Evidence from Lombok, Indonesia

Abstract

Implementing sustainable tourism development is an essential part of the strategy to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and inclusive, sustainable economic growth. This research aimed to examine the level of readiness of the community to carry out sustainable tourism development, especially community-based tourism on small islands, such as Lombok Island, Indonesia. More specifically, the objectives of this study were as follows: first, knowing the level of community readiness in carrying out sustainable tourism development; second, knowing the various dimensions that influence sustainable tourism development; third, understanding the role of stakeholders in sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, the role of the education sector in increasing community readiness for sustainable tourism development is an exciting matter to study. The method applied in this research used mixed techniques, a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative methods were used to determine the level of community readiness in sustainable tourism development. A qualitative approach was used to determine the various factors that influence the development of community-based tourism and to determine the role of stakeholders in the development of community-based tourism. Community readiness for sustainable tourism development is high in terms of economic, social, cultural, environmental, and symbolic capital aspects. Economic, social, cultural, and natural elements influence sustainable tourism development. Stakeholders who play a role in developing sustainable tourism in the research area are the government, the private sector, universities, non-governmental organizations, and the media. The results of this study can be used to create a government policy related to sustainable tourism development.