Community Based Tourism Governance In Coastal Areas: Evidence From Monano Beach, Indonesia

This study explores the governance of community-based tourism (CBT) in coastal areas, with a case study of Monano Beach in North Gorontalo, Indonesia. Despite its designation as a priority tourism destination, the management of Monano Beach remains suboptimal due to limited stakeholder coordination, lack of strategic planning, and minimal community involvement. Through a qualitative approach involving interviews, observations, and document analysis, the research identifies key challenges such as the absence of formal community organizations (e.g., Pokdarwis), inadequate infrastructure, and weak institutional frameworks. The findings highlight the critical need for inclusive governance structures that empower local communities, ensure sustainable environmental management, and align tourism development with local socio-cultural values. This study recommends the establishment of participatory planning forums, capacity-building programs, and collaborative partnerships between local governments, private sectors, and communities to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of coastal tourism governance. The insights contribute to broader discussions on sustainable tourism development in emerging destinations.