Green, Harmony, and Hope: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Sustainable Business Models in Supporting Environmentally Responsible and Culturally Inclusive Tourism Development in Likupang, Indonesia

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainable tourism has become a central strategy in promoting long-term environmental preservation, cultural resilience, and inclusive economic development—especially in emerging tourism destinations such as Likupang, Indonesia, which has been designated as one of the government’s Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP). This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable business models implemented in Likupang and their contributions to the realization of quality tourism that balances ecological integrity, cultural preservation, and local community empowerment. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative interviews with key stakeholders (including local business owners, community leaders, and tourism authorities) and quantitative analysis of tourism performance indicators, the research identifies both achievements and gaps in current sustainability efforts. The findings reveal that while several tourism businesses have adopted environmentally conscious practices such as waste reduction, eco-friendly accommodations, and support for local products there remains a lack of integrated planning and capacity-building initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability. Furthermore, cultural commodification and unequal benefit distribution pose challenges to social harmony and equity. The study highlights the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, clear policy frameworks, and adaptive governance to enhance the resilience of the tourism sector in Likupang. It also underscores the role of culturally grounded business practices in reinforcing the identity and participation of local communities. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism development in developing regions by offering practical insights for designing tourism models that prioritize the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit