Enhancing Sustainable Ecotourism in Banyuwangi - Indonesia: Lessons from Global Best Practices in Asia, Africa, and Latin America

Ecotourism in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, has emerged as a potential vital tool for promoting sustainable development by balancing economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. While ecotourism in this area is yet in its infancy, drawing lessons from successful ecotourism models in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, could bring key strategies to pave the way to enhance ecotourism in Banyuwangi. Community-Based Tourism (CBT) models from Kenya, Thailand, and Ghana emphasize the importance of local community empowerment, equitable revenue-sharing, and participatory tourism governance. Visitor management practices inspired Swat River Basin highlight the need for tourist caps, online ticketing, and scheduled visits to prevent overcrowding and protect fragile ecosystems like Ijen Crater and Alas Purwo National Park. Revenue-sharing frameworks used in African safari parks provide a blueprint for redistributing tourism proceeds to support conservation, education, and community development in Banyuwangi. Lessons on sustainable infrastructure from Ethiopia and Pakistan stress the value of eco-friendly accommodations, electric transport, and green infrastructure. Finally, the role of digital marketing and storytelling, as seen in Thailand's “Sea of Mist” campaign, highlights how media can drive global visibility for Banyuwangi’s iconic sites, such as the Ijen Crater “Blue Fire” and Osing Cultural Village. By integrating these global best practices, Banyuwangi can achieve sustainable ecotourism development that benefits local communities, protects biodiversity, and positions itself as a premier ecotourism destination in Southeast Asia.