Tourism system sustainability in Labuan Bajo – Manggarai Barat

Abstract The rapid growth of Labuan Bajo’s tourism industry has positioned it as a significant global destination. Since 2017, individuals globally have visited Labuan Bajo, with increased attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in 2022 after the G20 summit. The research method is using observations to the tourism areas in Labuan Bajo – Manggarai Barat including the hopping islands and conduct interviews to the local citizens, foreigners, and entrepreneurs in Labuan Bajo. This research was pointing the sustainability challenges in Labuan Bajo not only about nature condition, but also about social conditions, including the citizen perspective about their government involvement in Labuan Bajo. The results are the government must have open dialogue with the citizens, not only just taking the taxes. Additionally, they must have collaboration with universities regarding the language competency for the tour guide/ operator to minimize the tourist accident in Labuan Bajo. The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises also must have trainings to scale up their business.