The Urgency of Green Tourism Policies in Tourism Area Development

Abstract

Green tourism policies are essential for controlling the intensity of development in tourism areas. This study examines the objectives of tourism development control, which must be directed toward preserving ecological conditions that are currently deteriorating due to development that prioritizes only economic and social aspects. The research employed a descriptive qualitative method, utilizing interviews and field studies as data collection methods. The research subject is the City Government of Batu, East Java, a city that brands itself as the “City of Tourism,” as its development policies in every period consistently focus on tourism-oriented urban development. The research findings indicate that implementing green tourism policies is crucial for tourism development, as ecological sectors must remain protected amidst rapid development. Batu City’s commitment to realizing the motto “City with a Rural Ambiance” motivates the government, private sector, and community to recognize the importance of steering tourism development policies toward the “Green Tourism” concept. Conceptually, the Batu City government has already directed tourism development toward a green tourism concept, evidenced by its commitment to incorporating development control programs into environmentally friendly frameworks within the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) and the local government’s vision and mission. This is further reinforced by the Draft Regional Regulation on “Investment Incentives and Facilitation.” However, this commitment requires support from the private sector as investors, the community, and various other stakeholders to work together to ensure Batu City remains “green.” This study is expected to provide both theoretical and practical contributions to those in need of guidance on tourism policy direction.