Inclusive WASH and sustainable tourism in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia: needs and opportunities

Abstract

Abstract Rapid tourism growth can place unprecedented strain on water resources and reduce access for local communities. This study explored the state of Inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the tourism sector and local communities of Labuan Bajo, one of Indonesia's ‘super-premium’ tourism destinations. The formative research applied an Inclusive WASH-at-Work framework; data were collected using a case study methodology through semi-structured interviews (n = 20) and focus groups (n = 6) with government, tourism and community stakeholders. The findings identified growing tensions over inequitable water service levels and WASH access. Significantly, reported negative impacts were disproportionately experienced by women and girls, elderly and disabled members of the community, who suffer most from inadequate WASH facilities in hotels, public settings and their homes. Governance of and capacity constraints around WASH management highlighted the value of Inclusive WASH solutions to overcome the challenges Labuan Bajo faces as a rapidly developing tourism destination. Critically, solutions must be locally-driven, build local capacity and open pathways to collaboration between the community and decision-makers in the national government, provincial government and private tourism sector. Enhanced stakeholder collaboration and increased private sector contributions are needed to ensure a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits to underpin WASH and destination sustainability.