Strategy for Developing Waterfall Natural Tourism Destinations in Rural Areas of West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia: Triple Bottom Line Model Approach

Abstract

This study aims to formulate and analyze development strategies for the Sunsa Namo Waterfall tourist destination in Loha Village, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) model approach. The TBL framework encompasses three interdependent dimensions: Profit (economic sustainability), People (social equity and community empowerment), and Planet (environmental conservation). Data were collected through in-depth interviews with nine informants, including destination managers, tourism division heads, local community members, and tourists, supplemented by direct observation and documentation. Qualitative descriptive analysis was employed to evaluate the implementation of TBL principles in tourism development. Findings reveal that, from the Profit perspective, the destination has not yet generated sufficient revenue for sustainable development, relying primarily on minimal entrance fees and government subsidies. From the People perspective, community involvement remains limited under traditional management approaches, though opportunities exist for entrepreneurship development and local empowerment. From the Planet perspective, environmental management requires enhanced coordination among managers, communities, and government to ensure ecological sustainability through proper spatial planning, waste management, and conservation practices. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on sustainable rural tourism development by demonstrating the applicability of the TBL model in small-scale natural attractions in developing country contexts, providing practical recommendations for balancing economic viability, social inclusion, and environmental preservation in waterfall tourism management.