The Contribution of the Tourism Sector to Economic Growth in East Nusa Tenggara: Addressing Sustainability and Infrastructure Challenges

Abstract

Tourism is a strategic sector with great potential to drive economic growth, especially in areas rich in natural and cultural beauty such as East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). As a leading destination in Indonesia, NTT offers a variety of tourism attractions, ranging from Komodo National Park and Lake Kelimutu to cultural heritage such as ikat weaving and traditional dances. Despite its great potential, the sector faces various challenges such as limited infrastructure, low quality of human resources, and sustainability issues. This research aims to analyze the contribution of the tourism sector to NTT's economic growth and identify the opportunities and challenges it faces. This research uses a mixed methods approach, employing quantitative techniques including descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression to examine the effect of tourism indicators (tourist arrivals, tourism revenue, and employment in the tourism sector) on Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), alongside qualitative thematic analysis based on a stakeholder-oriented framework. Quantitative data was obtained from official reports of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and local government reports related to the tourism sector's contribution to Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and job creation. Qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews with tourism actors, local communities and stakeholders. The research locations include major tourist destinations such as Labuan Bajo, Komodo Island, and Kelimutu National Park. The results show that tourism makes a significant contribution to the NTT economy. This contribution can be seen in the increase in GRDP, job creation in supporting sectors, and the multiplier effect on MSMEs and local community income. However, constraints such as limited accessibility, lack of trained labor, and environmental sustainability challenges hinder further development. This research recommends strengthening infrastructure such as road construction and airport development, improving the quality of human resources through training, and sustainability-based tourism management. Local governments need to involve local communities in destination management and prioritize environmental sustainability. In conclusion, the tourism sector has an important role as an economic driver in NTT. With the right management strategy, this sector can become the main pillar of regional development while maintaining the sustainability of local ecosystems and culture.