Exploring community perception of sustainable tourism development in Labuan Bajo

Abstract This study investigates community attitudes toward sustainable tourism development in Labuan Bajo, a national priority destination in Indonesia. Using survey data from local residents analyzed through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), the research examines the influence of tourism development potential, sense of place, and perceived tourism impacts on community support. Results indicate that sense of place and development potential significantly strengthen both collective and personal benefit perceptions, which subsequently foster greater support for sustainable tourism. The novelty lies in integrating sense of place with perceived benefits to explain local support, extending existing studies that have predominantly emphasized economic or environmental dimensions. Practically, the findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders by demonstrating that sustainable tourism strategies must incorporate local perceptions and place attachment to secure long-term community endorsement and ensure the success of destination development initiatives.