Research on sustainable tourism in Bali has underscored the intricate balance required between economic development and environmental and social stewardship. A range of methodological approaches has been utilized to evaluate these dynamics. Quantitative assessments, often through structural equation modeling, have been conducted to analyze sustainable tourism practices, focusing on economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Meanwhile, qualitative approaches, including systematic literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, and participatory observation, have provided critical insights into the layered complexities of sustainable tourism in Bali’s culturally rich settings. Mixed-methods research, integrating quantitative tourist data with qualitative insights, offers a more comprehensive understanding of overtourism’s multifaceted impacts. Key findings indicate that while progress has been achieved in implementing sustainable tourism practices, considerable challenges remain. These challenges primarily include balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the urgent need for environmental conservation and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits among local communities. The development of sustainable tourism has proven complex, necessitating context-sensitive approaches and inclusive stakeholder engagement. Community-based strategies have shown effectiveness, blending environmentally friendly practices with cultural preservation and local empowerment. Comparative studies, such as those between Bali and North Sumatra, underscore both the positive economic outcomes of sustainable tourism initiatives and common obstacles, such as infrastructure demands and resource management. The implications for policymakers emphasize the critical role of community participation and comprehensive planning in achieving sustainable tourism. Empowering local stakeholders through participatory governance frameworks is essential to preserve cultural integrity and enhance resource stewardship, thereby fostering a resilient tourism industry that supports both environmental sustainability and local well-being.
The Ponan tradition, deeply rooted in Poto Village, Moyo Hilir District, Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia, exemplifies a unique form of local wisdom with significant social, cultural, and economic potential. Despite its cultural prominence, the integration of this tradition into tourism development has been hindered by inadequate infrastructure, insufficient promotional strategies, and limited community engagement. This study addresses these challenges by exploring the role of the cc tradition as a form of social capital in fostering sustainable tourism development. A qualitative case study approach was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). The findings highlight that the sustainable development of tourism in Poto Village is contingent upon three critical factors: the enhancement of infrastructure, the implementation of targeted promotional campaigns, and the active participation of the local community in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage. Furthermore, it was observed that the Ponan tradition serves as a vital mechanism for community empowerment, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among villagers while simultaneously attracting cultural tourism. The study underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to tourism management that harmonizes economic objectives with cultural preservation and community well-being. By offering actionable insights, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism and cultural studies, providing a framework for policymakers and practitioners to develop inclusive and culturally sensitive tourism strategies. However, the study is limited by its regional focus and qualitative methodology, suggesting the need for future research to explore broader applications of local wisdom in tourism development across diverse cultural contexts.