Factors Affecting the Role of Tourism Activities in Komodo National Park on the Economic Growth of West Manggarai Regency

Komodo National Park — recognized globally as one of the Seven Wonders of the World attractions — plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic growth of West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The regency is the main gateway for visitors who want to explore the park’s unique landscapes, biodiversity, and the iconic Komodo dragons. As tourism activities increase in the area, researchers have examined not only the broad economic impacts but also the underlying factors that influence how tourism contributes to regional development.

Economic Role of Tourism in West Manggarai

Tourism in Komodo National Park not only attracts international and domestic visitors but also brings direct and indirect economic benefits to West Manggarai Regency. These benefits include increases in:

• Local government revenue (Local Original Revenue);
• Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP);
• Employment participation rates and livelihood opportunities for local residents.

The economic role of tourism extends beyond direct spending on park entry fees and services — it stimulates new tourism businesses, higher demand for accommodations, transportation, food services, and related sectors that are vital to the regency’s economic growth.

Key Factors Influencing Tourism’s Economic Contribution

The study identified seven major factors that influence how tourism activities at Komodo National Park affect regional economic growth. These are:

1. Tourism Area Development

The planning and improvement of tourism infrastructure and facilities — such as visitor access points, trails, and information centers — determine how effectively the park can attract and accommodate visitors. Well-developed areas encourage longer stays and higher tourism spending.

2. Regional Preparedness

Local areas must have the capacity and readiness to handle tourism growth. This includes physical infrastructure, services, and institutional coordination, which strengthen the region’s ability to support expanding tourism activities.

3. Capital Ownership

Access to financial resources influences the ability of local entrepreneurs and investors to start, develop, and sustain tourism-related businesses — such as hotels, tour services, and food enterprises — that create jobs and generate local income.

4. Resource Availability

Human and natural resources — including skilled labor, cultural assets, and natural attractions (e.g., Komodo dragons, marine biodiversity) — are central to tourism development and help attract visitors who contribute to the local economy.

5. Tourism Characteristics

The qualities and uniqueness of tourism products — such as wildlife encounters, scenic coastlines, marine activities, and heritage experiences — play a large role in attracting and retaining visitors. Unique attractions drive visitor interest, length of stay, and repeat visits.

6. Government Control Functions

Government policies, regulation, and oversight are critical in shaping tourism’s growth and ensuring sustainable development, fair distribution of benefits, and environmental protection. Effective governance helps balance economic growth with conservation goals.

7. Community Characteristics

Local community engagement, socio-cultural contexts, and attitudes toward tourism influence how benefits are shared and sustained in the long term. Communities that are proactive and involved in tourism planning often see greater socio-economic improvements.

Conclusion

The economic growth of West Manggarai Regency — accelerated by tourism at Komodo National Park — is shaped by more than just visitor numbers. It depends on a complex interplay of development planning, local capacity, financial and human resources, unique tourism offerings, governance, and community involvement. When these factors are aligned, tourism becomes a powerful engine for economic development, job creation, and regional prosperity.

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