Identification of Barriers to Ecotourism Promotion Management in South Kalimantan Province

This study examines the challenges in promoting and managing ecotourism in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, a region rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. Using a qualitative research approach, the study identifies three key obstacles: limited human resources, budget constraints, and minimal community involvement. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with stakeholders, field observations, and focus group discussions with local community members, ecotourism site managers, and government officials. Findings reveal that budget limitations restrict promotional activities primarily to social media, while the shortage of trained personnel limits strategic planning and community engagement in sustainable tourism. Additionally, a lack of community awareness about ecotourism's benefits results in passive involvement. The study recommends increasing human resource capacity, allocating more funding for broader promotional strategies, and fostering community engagement to enhance the effectiveness of ecotourism promotion. This research contributes to the broader ecotourism field by proposing a sustainable framework that balances economic, environmental, and cultural needs, offering insights for similar regions facing ecotourism challenges.