Community-Driven Development: How Transformational Public Leadership Shapes Marine Tourism

This study aims to identify and explain an effective transformational public leadership model in supporting the development of community-based marine tourism in coastal areas. It assesses how the role of local leaders influences community participation, innovation, and destination sustainability. The research used a qualitative approach with a case study method in three coastal villages within the Prigi Bay tourist area. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 informants, including village leaders, village officials, tourism businesses, community groups, and MSME communities. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify key informants, and thematic analysis was conducted on the dimensions of transformational leadership. The study found that transformational public leadership plays a central role in community tourism development. Leadership, motivation, stimulation of innovation, and individualized attention to the community have been shown to increase participation, creativity, and involvement in tourism management. Villages with active leaders show more significant destination growth and tourism product innovation than villages with passive leaders. Transformational leadership has proven to be a key driver of CBT success in coastal areas. This research offers a new perspective by applying the concept of transformational public leadership (TPL) to the context of village communities and marine tourism. This study also integrates the TPL framework with CBT principles and produces a public leadership model relevant to community-based tourism development.