Analysis of Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism Development in Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara (A Case Study of Rinca Island and Komodo Island)

In Indonesia, tourism development is not only focused on the islands of Java and Bali, but also in eastern Indonesia, such as in the East Nusa Tenggara. This research aims to identify the change in the lives of local communities from a socio-economic approach. This is a qualitative research which the data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The results showed that tourism activities on Rinca Island have not been felt yet by Rinca Island residents since only a few people have switched jobs in the tourism sector. From the structure of livelihoods point of view, there is no change as most people on Rinca Island are still working as fishermen. Meanwhile, the socio-economic impacts of the people on Komodo Island are different from Rinca Island. On Komodo Island, the most visible change is in the livelihood structure where the current population change their fisheries activities to a tourism work. Income from changing jobs to the tourism sector can improve the welfare of local communities. From a social approach, the positive impact of tourism development on Rinca Island and Komodo Island is able to increase local community participation. Although the impact of tourism felt by the people on Komodo Island and Rinca Island is different, the hospitality of the people in receiving tourists on the two islands has not changed.