Decoding the Sustainability Nexus in Tourism Driven Economies: A Macroeconomic Analysis of Indonesia's Super Priority Destinations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30659/jpsa.v23i2.51485Abstract
The designation of five Super Priority Destinations (SPDs) in Indonesia’s National Tourism Development Strategy (RENSTRA) 2020–2024 represents a strategic policy intervention aimed at accelerating regional economic growth through tourism-led development. This study seeks to decode the sustainability nexus in tourism-driven economies by examining the macroeconomic impacts of SPD designation on provincial economic performance. Using Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) data, this research evaluates how the establishment of SPDs influences overall and sectoral economic dynamics in the five host provinces. The analysis is conducted in four stages. First, GRDP trends from 2020 to 2024 are examined to capture the trajectory of regional economic growth in the five SPD provinces. Second, a Growth and Share analysis is applied to all Indonesian provinces to assess relative growth performance and regional competitiveness, and to position the SPD provinces within the national economic structure. Third, sectoral economic performance is evaluated using Location Quotient (LQ) analysis to determine the degree of specialization and comparative advantage in tourism-related sectors. Finally, tourism statistical indicators including tourist arrivals and tourism-related GRDP over the last five years are analyzed to evaluate the linkage between tourism performance and regional economic outcomes. The findings are expected to reveal heterogeneous economic impacts across SPD provinces, reflecting differences in growth dynamics, structural readiness, sectoral composition, and tourism development intensity. This study contributes to the literature on sustainable tourism and regional development by providing empirical macroeconomic evidence on the effectiveness of destination prioritization policies through a combined growth, competitiveness, and sectoral specialization perspective. The results offer policy-relevant insights for strengthening tourism-led economic development in a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable manner.
Keywords: sustainable tourism; regional economic development; super priority destinations; GRDP
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