Exploring Policy Recommendation to Develop Sustainable Tourism (Study in Lake Toba)

Abstract

As one of the countries with the greatest tourism potential in Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s tourism sector exerts influences on economic growth, society, and environment. Despite its potential for beneficial outcomes, prudent management by governmental entities is imperative to foster establishment of sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism is one of the targets mentioned in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically under point eight and twelve. Point eight, decent work and economic growth, will envisage the implementation of policies aimed at fostering sustainable tourism, with anticipated outcomes that extend to the realms of economy, society, and environment. On the other side, point twelve, pertaining consumption and production patterns, will advocate for sustainable practices across the entirety of the tourism value chain, encompassing transportation and accommodation. In this study, Lake Toba as one of the five super priority destinations in Indonesia will be the focus location of the research. Lake Toba was chosen considering its great potential of tourism attraction yet there is still a lot of need for development. With great potential of tourism, comes great potential in economic growth yet on the other side, incurring a great potential of negative impact on the social and environment sector. This study uses literature research methods with a qualitative approach that utilizes any sources to determine the challenges, opportunities, and also identifies the alternate effective policies to develop sustainable tourism in Lake Toba. The result of this study has recognized that policies to support sustainable transportation, empower local communities, and private intervention in green investment are highly needed. This study offers valuable perspective to policymakers and stakeholders, empowering them to take a role in fostering sustainable development within the tourism sector.