The development of a tourism village—rich in natural beauty, local products, and unique customs and traditions—is fundamentally aimed at improving the economic welfare of the local community.
One of the key economic benefits of building a tourism village is the creation of new employment opportunities for residents, as well as increased sales of locally made products.
The presence of tourists can stimulate sales in sectors such as local crafts and traditional culinary products. It also often leads to improvements or new developments in village infrastructure to support tourism.
However, this is just the economic perspective. A tourism village can offer many other positive impacts. Still, it is crucial to remain aware of the potential negative consequences as well.
One possible downside is the increasing pressure on agricultural land. There is a risk that productive farmland may be pushed aside or repurposed solely as a scenic backdrop without being cultivated seriously.
Beyond land use issues, other challenges may arise—such as waste mismanagement, the rise of a consumptive lifestyle, and potential increases in crime or other existing social problems that may be exacerbated.
These negative impacts should be addressed wisely—not used as a reason to halt or abandon the idea of tourism villages altogether.
So, How Do We Build a Safe and Well-Managed Tourism Village?
Tourism village stakeholders should apply the concept of high-quality service based on the TERRA framework:
- Tangible – The ability of tourism actors to present their presence externally, especially in terms of physical facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and communication tools available in the tourism destination.
- Empathy – The concern shown by tourism village operators through respectful, friendly communication, and the ability to understand the needs of tourists and potential visitors.
- Reliability – The ability to offer friendly and trustworthy services, providing clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand information for tourists.
- Responsiveness – The ability to respond quickly and appropriately by assisting tourists and delivering clear, timely information.
- Assurance – This includes knowledge, courtesy, and dependability from tourism actors to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for tourists during their stay.
Tourism Villages: Promising and Necessary Projects
Tourism villages are undeniably promising and necessary development projects—especially considering their significant impact on local economic growth. However, their development must be inclusive, involving various stakeholders to ensure the creation of tourism villages that are safe, friendly, and beneficial for all.