Diversification of sustainable tourism destinations in the Selayar Islands Regency
Zaenal Akhmad, Andi Aslinda, Risma Niswaty, Ahmadin

Universitas Pejuang RI Makassar, Universitas Negeri Makassar

Abstract

This study examines the diversification of sustainable tourism destinations in the Selayar Islands Regency through the development of indigenous tourism and tangerine agro-tourism as alternative tourism products. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study analyzes the opportunities, challenges, and strategic directions for developing local culture- and agriculture-based tourism. The findings indicate that indigenous tourism, represented by Batti-batti, Manca^ Pa^dang, and A^tojeng traditions, possesses significant potential to preserve cultural heritage while generating employment, strengthening local economies, and promoting community-based tourism. However, its development remains constrained by limited infrastructure, inadequate human resource capacity, insufficient funding, and the absence of sustainable policy support. Similarly, Selayar tangerine agro-tourism offers opportunities to diversify non-marine tourism by integrating agricultural production with educational and recreational experiences, thereby enhancing farmers^ income, rural economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, structural challenges, including weak infrastructure, limited digital promotion, financing constraints, and insufficient coordination among stakeholders, continue to hinder its development. The study emphasizes that successful tourism diversification requires collaborative governance involving government, local communities, the private sector, and academic institutions through integrated planning, community empowerment, destination branding, regulatory support, and digital promotion. These collaborative strategies are expected to strengthen destination competitiveness, promote inclusive economic growth, preserve local cultural and agricultural heritage, and support the long-term sustainability of tourism development in island regions.

Keywords: Tourism Destinations, Sustainable Development, Indigenous Tourism, Agro Tourism

Topic: Responsible Digital Entrepreneurship: Fostering Sustainable Business Ecosystems through Innovation and Ethical Governance (Digital Entrepreneurship- Sustainable Ecosystems- Business Innovation)