International Journal of Green Tourism Research and Applications

Green Tourism Implementation Strategy in Ecotourism Development in Garut Regency

Dani Adiatma, Deden Firman Syuyaman Rukma — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Garut Regency holds considerable potential for ecotourism development, yet faces a persistent implementation gap characterized by poor infrastructure, environmental degradation, and weak policy enforcement, despite supportive regulations. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the internal and external factors influencing Garut's ecotourism and formulate integrated green tourism strategies to address this gap. Employing a qualitative descriptive case study approach, data were obtained through literature review and policy document analysis, including scholarly articles, local policy documents (e.g., RIPPDA, strategic plans), and other credible secondary sources. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis within a SWOT framework. The findings indicate that while Garut benefits from diverse natural and cultural resources and a rising interest in green tourism, infrastructural deficiencies, substandard services, environmental threats, and lax law enforcement offset these strengths. To overcome these barriers, four strategic directions are proposed: (1) strengthening governance and policy enforcement, (2) promoting community-based ecotourism, (3) developing green infrastructure and service quality standards, and (4) executing authentic green marketing initiatives. This study underscores the urgency of closing the implementation gap. It offers actionable recommendations for stakeholders including government, communities, and the private sector to promote authentic and sustainable ecotourism practices at the local level.

The Impact of Tourism Pollution and Entrepreneurs’ Role to Finding Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud

Budi Shantika, Ni Kadek Winda Yanti, Rudi Rindang Septiadji — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid growth of tourism in Bali, one of the world's leading tourist destinations, has contributed to an escalating waste management crisis. This research aims to assess the impact of tourism-related waste generation in Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud and evaluate the effectiveness of existing waste management policies. This study employs a qualitative research approach, focusing on waste distribution patterns and the tourism sector's contribution to plastic waste. The participants in the study include waste management authorities, tourism-related businesses, and local communities. Data were collected through interviews and field observations to identify key sources of waste and evaluate policy implementation. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis to identify recurring issues and challenges. The results indicate that tourism-related businesses, particularly luxury resorts and restaurants, generate over 60% of Bali's plastic waste. Despite efforts such as the 2019 plastic ban, weak enforcement, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficient waste disposal systems continue to cause pollution and landfill overflow. The study highlights critical gaps in waste collection, recycling facilities, and policy enforcement. It suggests that tech-driven waste collection services, large-scale recycling plants, and sustainable product alternatives could offer viable solutions. Additionally, implementing sustainability-focused education programs and community-based initiatives is essential for long-term waste reduction. The research implies that stricter policy enforcement, infrastructure investment, and enhanced collaboration between the government, businesses, and local communities are necessary. Future research should focus on the feasibility of waste-to-energy projects and the impact of sustainable tourism practices on waste management.

Situ Gunung Nature Tourism Park: Applying the Ecotourism Principle of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

Ramiz Ansharil Haq, Triana Manalu, Ahmad Habibi — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyses the application of eight ecotourism principles set forth by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in Situ Gunung Ecotourism, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. The study adopts a qualitative methodology incorporating Focus Group Discussions with destination managers, tour guides, and security staff. The research assesses the conformity of Situ Gunung’s Ecotourism activities with the concepts of TIES. Research demonstrates that Situ Gunung successfully alleviates environmental repercussions by measures including visitation restrictions, bans on animal feeding, and sustainable infrastructure development. Environmental and cultural education is advanced through community involvement, signage, and traditional performances such as Degungan and Kecapi Suling music at the Amphitheater. The suspension bridge and additional attractions are sustainably maintained through regular safety assessments. Community empowerment is manifested through local engagement in tourism activities, cultural conservation, and infrastructure administration. The study concludes that Situ Gunung effectively incorporates TIES concepts, harmonizing tourism development with environmental and cultural sustainability. The report advocates for the enhancement of cultural preservation programs and the implementation of transparent revenue management to bolster the long-term sustainability of ecotourism. Situ Gunung exemplifies sustainable ecotourism, illustrating the utilization of natural and cultural resources for community empowerment and environmental preservation.

Nature-Based Tourism and Mental Health: A Study of “Green Therapy” for Tourists in Bali

Putu Eka Wirawan, Ni Wayan Mega Sari Apri Yani — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the relationship between nature-based tourism and tourists’ mental health through the concept of green therapy in Bali, a destination renowned for its diverse natural landscapes and wellness traditions. Green therapy is conceptualized as a psychological restoration process derived from direct interaction with natural environments, where elements such as vegetation, forest ambience, flowing water, and natural sounds contribute to stress reduction, emotional regulation, and improved cognitive clarity. Using a qualitative design, data were collected from fifteen tourists through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and analysed using thematic analysis to identify core experiential patterns. The findings indicate that engagement with Bali’s natural settings including forest walks, terraced rice fields, meditation, and yoga, significantly enhances emotional well-being, reduces anxiety, and strengthens self-awareness. However, the restorative potential of these experiences is diminished by overtourism and overcrowding in popular destinations. These results underscore the need for sustainable and decentralized destination management that preserves ecological quality while maintaining therapeutic value. The study further suggests integrating green therapy principles into tourism planning to enhance visitor well-being and support long-term sustainable development. Overall, the research contributes empirical insight into how Bali’s natural assets can function as an effective medium for psychological healing.

Green Behaviour of Tourists in the Cultural Heritage Destination of Borobudur Temple

Nathaniel Aji Prinanda, Ni Made Tirtawati, I Wayan Mertha — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tourism is one of the economic sectors that has a major impact on ecosystems, so its sustainability is receiving increasing attention in academic literature. The sustainability approach cannot be seen from the destination as the supply side only, but also from the demand side, namely tourists. However, limited research has examined the behavioral side of tourists, particularly the factors driving green behavior in cultural heritage destinations leaving a critical gap in understanding demand-side sustainability. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Borobudur Temple faces challenges in maintaining sustainability amid high tourist activity. Although conservation efforts have been implemented, the extent and drivers of tourists’ green behavior remain unclear. This study employs a quantitative design using a structured questionnaire distributed to 160 purposively selected domestic tourists at Borobudur Temple. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS to identify the influence of internal and external factors on green behavior. The findings reveal that environmental aspects dominate tourist green behavior, followed by social and economic aspects. Internal factors, particularly trusted values, show a slightly stronger influence than external factors, although aesthetic experience also plays a key role. Conversely, destination knowledge and habitual green actions were found to be weak points. These results highlight the need for sustainability strategies that combine value-based education, improved informational tools, and behavioral nudges to help translate environmental awareness into consistent tourist actions.

Sustainable Heritage Tourism in Urban Settings: Evaluating Glodok Chinatown’s of Jakarta Tourism Carrying Capacity

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Urban heritage tourism increasingly contributes to cultural preservation and sustainable urban development, yet destinations in dense metropolitan settings often face acute pressure from rising visitation. This study evaluates the tourism carrying capacity of Glodok Chinatown, Jakarta’s oldest Chinese heritage district, by assessing its physical, socio-cultural, economic, environmental, and managerial components. Using a qualitative exploratory approach supported by field observations, regulatory review, and interviews with local residents, business actors, heritage experts, and government officials, the study provides a multidimensional analysis of capacity constraints. Results indicate considerable disparities between potential and reality. While the area’s Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC) and Real Carrying Capacity (RCC) remain structurally limited by narrow streets, mixed-use density, and constrained public spaces, the Effective Carrying Capacity (ECC) is found to be only 104 visitors per day. In contrast, actual visitation reaches 1,000–1,500 tourists on regular days, with spikes of over 5,000 visitors during major cultural festivals. This excess contributes to congestion, increased waste accumulation, deterioration of heritage structures, reduced walkability, and commercialization of cultural practices. Socio-economically, tourism benefits remain unevenly distributed, with small local MSMEs facing competition from larger commercial actors. Managerially, fragmented governance, sectoral decision-making, and the absence of an integrated heritage management entity hinder sustainable development efforts. The findings underscore the need for capacity-based planning through zoning, visitor flow redistribution, improved interpretation systems, and strengthened community participation to ensure Glodok’s cultural authenticity and long-term resilience.