Stakeholder Collaboration in the Development of Sustainable Marine Tourism in Wakatobi Regency, Indonesia

Wakatobi Regency, located in Southeast Sulawesi Province, is one of Indonesia’s premier marine tourism destinations, renowned for its remarkable marine biodiversity. Despite its great potential, the development of marine tourism in Wakatobi faces various challenges, including limited infrastructure, a lack of synergy among the government, local communities, and the private sector, as well as threats to environmental sustainability due to unsustainable tourism practices. This research emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including government, local communities, tourism industry players, academics, and non-governmental organizations, to create a sustainable tourism system. Through a Participatory Systemic Inquiry approach, this study identifies supporting and inhibiting factors in collaboration, as well as implications for environmental sustainability and community welfare. The findings indicate that effective collaboration can enhance economic benefits and preserve natural resources, allowing Wakatobi to develop as a leading and sustainable tourism destination.