Tourism beyond promise: Stakeholder perspectives on structural constraints in rural tourism development

Tourism is widely promoted as a catalyst for regional development, yet its economic benefits remain unevenly distributed in many rural destinations. This study aims to examine community and stakeholder perspectives on tourism development in Bandung Regency, Indonesia, with a specific focus on identifying the structural constraints that limit its economic contribution. Using a qualitative design, data were collected between July and October 2025 through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 31 participants and focus group discussions with 20 participants, all of whom were tourism stakeholders from local communities, business, and government sectors. Thematic analysis reveals that although tourism generates employment, supports MSMEs, and produces multiplier effects, these benefits are constrained by inadequate infrastructure, limited human resource capacity, regulatory complexity, unequal access to land and markets, and weak stakeholder coordination. These structural barriers restrict local participation, reduce investment efficiency, and undermine equitable economic outcomes. Addressing these constraints is essential to ensure that tourism contributes more effectively to inclusive and sustainable regional economic development.