Ecotourism Development as a Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy in Central Java

The imperative for tourism development in Central Java necessitates a systematic and organized approach, with the primary objective of fostering economic growth within the local community. Ecotourism is seen as a viable approach to sustainable tourism growth. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to assess the progression of ecotourism as a viable approach for fostering sustainable tourism growth in the region of Central Java. The present study employs a qualitative research design utilizing descriptive methodology. The findings of the study indicate that ecotourism plays a major role in fostering sustainable tourist development, yielding advantageous outcomes in terms of economic, environmental, and social aspects. Ecotourism planning must consider various aspects, including environmental carrying capacity, cost and benefit analysis, and local community involvement. Internal, external, and structural factors play an important role in ecotourism success. In Central Java Province, five main strategies have been identified: local community participation, pro-sustainability regulations, strengthening local culture, integrated marketing, and transforming existing types of tourism into ecotourism. With this strategy, Central Java can achieve the vision of sustainable tourism development and provide an example for other regions in maintaining sustainability in the world of tourism.