| Abstrak/Abstract |
The Kei Islands represent a distinctive destination for cultural marine tourism. The archipelago’s rich cultural heritage offers opportunities for immersive engagement with the traditions and customs of its various ethnic groups. This study examines the mechanisms through which cultural capital contributes to island tourism development and evaluates the efficacy of these processes. Employing qualitative methodology, the research utilized focus group discussions with tourism stakeholders, in-depth interviews with local communities and traditional leaders, and participant observations. The findings reveal that Larwul Ngabal, a local consensus that forms the foundation for traditional laws and regulations, serves as a fundamental element in shaping cultural capital for tourism development. The implementation of Larwul Ngabal manifests through three key local values and practices: the establishment of core hospitality principles, the promotion of tourism resource conservation, and the facilitation of marine culture festivals. This research contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating how local culture functions as a catalyst for island tourism development, while also illustrating the process through which local cultural practices are transformed into cultural capital for sustainable tourism development. Beyond its theoretical insights, the research offers practical considerations for harnessing Indigenous traditions and values as resources for achieving sustainable tourism in island contexts. |
