Patterns of Sustainable Tourist Mobility in Mamasa Regency, West Sulawesi Province
MARGARETHA WADID RANTE

POLITEKNIK PARIWISATA MAKASSAR, INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims to map tourist travel patterns and design sustainable tourism routes in Mamasa Regency, West Sulawesi, to address the dominance of stop-over patterns that are transactional, short-term, and lead to unequal distribution of economic benefits and cultural preservation. Adopting the Research and Development (R&D) approach according to Sugiyono (2017), the study was conducted through five stages: identification of potential and problems, data collection (in-depth interviews, field observations, and document analysis), product design, validation by three experts from the government, tourism industry, and academic sectors, and product revision. Based on the theoretical framework of Lau & McKercher (2006), it was found that the Chaining Loop pattern is most consistent with the principles of sustainability, as it is able to distribute tourist flows to remote areas, extend the duration of stay, and strengthen socio-cultural interactions and the local economy. The results of the study produced two sustainable tourism routes-the Mamasa Heritage Loop (3 days 2 nights) and the Mamasa Deep Immersion (4 days 3 nights)-which systematically integrate environmental, socio-cultural, and economic pillars. The final product, a map and route guide, is expected to serve as an operational reference for stakeholders in the development of community-based, inclusive, and sustainable tourism

Keywords: tourism travel, Lau & McKercher theory, sustainable tourism routes, development research, travel patterns

Topic: Tourism and Hospitality