Land, Hands, And Speech: Ethnography of Communication in The East Sumba Ikated Weaving Tourism Ecosystem

Digitization of cultural narratives and ikat weaving product metadata plays a strategic role in promoting East Sumba's cultural heritage globally. This study aims to examine the influence of digitization on the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in supporting the tourism ecosystem, as well as its impact on the existence and competitiveness of ikat weaving-based tourism. Using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, this study collects and analyzes various literature related to cultural digitization, product metadata, and the role of ICT in the preservation and development of cultural tourism. The results of the study show that digitization of cultural narratives expands the reach of information about the values, meanings, and philosophies of ikat weaving more effectively. Product metadata embedded in digital platforms increases the accessibility of information for tourists, industry players, and researchers. The use of ICT, such as social media and augmented reality technology, has also been shown to increase the effectiveness of promotion and marketing. In addition to supporting cultural preservation, digitization also strengthens local identity and opens up opportunities for sustainable tourism development. With an integrated digital approach, the introduction of local culture becomes more inclusive, attracts tourists, and creates added value for local communities. Overall, digitization is a major driver in the transformation of the cultural tourism ecosystem in East Sumba to be more adaptive and competitive in the global era.