Journal of Tourism Economics and Policy

Umbrella Branding: The Key to Creative Economy Sustainability

Dyan Triana PUTRA — 2026-01-31

This study aims to explore the key role of umbrella branding in strengthening the resilience of the creative economy in tourism villages, thereby increasing the competitiveness of tourism destinations. Through the inspirational story of Srumbung Gunung Creative Peace Tourism Village (DWKP), which has successfully qualified for the Indonesian Tourism Village Award (ADWI), this research reveals integrated marketing strategies that promote the preservation of local arts and traditions while developing creative innovations. This research employs a qualitative case study approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with village stakeholders, field observations, and document analysis. The research uses a participatory and contextual approach, involving local communities in the research process to obtain authentic understanding. The research identified a comprehensive umbrella branding model that integrates regional development, marketing strategies, and sustainability in tourism. The model encompasses four key components: local potential identification, creative economy initiative mapping, umbrella branding model development, and community validation through FGDs. This study contributes new knowledge by developing the first umbrella branding framework specifically designed for creative economy development in tourism village contexts, combining participatory approaches with comprehensive branding principles that have not been previously integrated in sustainable tourism literature.

The Influence of Foreign Direct Investment, Government Expenditure, Trade, and Inflation on Economic Growth in Indonesia

Umiati Nur RAHMAWATI — 2026-01-31

This study aims to examine the influence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Government Expenditure, Economic Openness, and Inflation on Indonesia’s economic growth during the 1994–2024 period. The research applies a quantitative descriptive approach using annual secondary data obtained from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators and employs multiple linear regression analysis with the Ordinary Least Squares method. The analysis reveals that the four macroeconomic variables collectively have a significant effect on Indonesia’s economic growth, demonstrating that the selected model is appropriate to explain changes in the country’s economic performance. The findings show that FDI plays a vital role as a key driver of growth by enhancing capital accumulation, technology transfer, employment creation, and industrial capacity. Government expenditure shows a negative but insignificant influence, indicating that ineffective or consumption-oriented spending limits its contribution to economic development. Economic openness has a significant negative impact, suggesting that Indonesia’s trade structure during the study period was dominated by imports, which hindered domestic production and long-term growth. Inflation exhibits a positive but insignificant effect, reflecting a stable inflationary environment that neither promoted nor constrained economic expansion. This study concludes that increasing productive FDI inflows, improving the efficiency and allocation of government spending, fostering export-oriented trade policies, and maintaining stable inflation are crucial strategies to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Indonesia.

The Influence of Years of Schooling, Population Growth Rate, and Life Expectancy on Poverty in East Java Province 2019–2023

Multazam Ichwanudin SUTRISNO — 2026-01-31

Kemiskinan masih menjadi tantangan utama di Provinsi Jawa Timur meskipun trennya menurun dalam beberapa tahun terakhir. Peningkatan pendidikan dan kesehatan tidak selalu sejalan dengan penurunan kemiskinan, menunjukkan adanya hubungan kompleks antarvariabel. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis pengaruh pendidikan (rata-rata lama sekolah), laju pertumbuhan penduduk, dan kesehatan (angka harapan hidup) terhadap kemiskinan di 38 kabupaten/kota Jawa Timur selama 2019–2023. Hipotesisnya, pendidikan dan kesehatan berpengaruh negatif terhadap kemiskinan, sedangkan laju pertumbuhan penduduk berpengaruh positif. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kuantitatif dengan data sekunder dari BPS. Analisis dilakukan menggunakan regresi data panel dengan model Fixed Effect Model (FEM) melalui Eviews 13, disertai Asumsi klasik dan uji signifikansi (T-test, F-test, dan R²). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendidikan, kesehatan, dan laju pertumbuhan penduduk secara simultan berpengaruh terhadap kemiskinan dengan arah pengaruh berbeda pada tiap variabel. Temuan ini menegaskan pentingnya peningkatan kualitas pendidikan dan kesehatan serta pengendalian pertumbuhan penduduk sebagai strategi utama menurunkan kemiskinan dan memperkuat kesejahteraan ekonomi daerah.

The Effect of Labor Force, Education, and Minimum Wage on Open Unemployment in East Java Province: A Spatial Disparity Approach 2020-2024

Siti PURWANDARI — 2026-01-31

Open unemployment in East Java Province shows significant spatial disparities, with urban areas like Sidoarjo (6.49) experiencing much higher rates than rural regions like Pacitan (1.56%). This study aims to examine the effect of labor force participation, education, and minimum wage on open unemployment in East Java Province for the 2020-2024 period using a spatial disparity approach. The data used are secondary from BPS and the East Java Provincial Manpower Office. The analytical method employed is panel data regression with 190 observations (38 districts/cities × 5 years), and the Fixed Effect Model was selected based on Chow and Hausman tests. The results show that minimum wage has a significant negative effect on unemployment (coefficient = -1.356300, p = 0.0003), while labor force participation (p = 0.2344) and education (p = 0.1516) show no significant effect. The model demonstrates strong explanatory power with an Adjusted R² of 81.99%. These findings indicate that minimum wage policy effectively reduces unemployment through efficiency wage effects and aggregate demand stimulation, while the insignificance of education suggests serious skills mismatch issues. The study validates Friedmann's Core- Periphery Theory, showing that structural characteristics of regions dominate unemployment dynamics over time-varying factors in East Java's heterogeneous economic landscape.

Investment and Minimum Wages: Evidence from Indonesia Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry

Muchammad Bintang Cahyo Andhika Rachman — 2026-01-31

This study analyzes the effect of Domestic Investment, Provincial Minimum Wage, and Foreign Investment on the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of the Food and Beverage Processing Industry in Indonesia during the period 2014–2024. The research employs a quantitative approach using secondary data obtained from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Panel data from 38 provinces are utilized, and the Random Effect Model is selected as the most appropriate estimation method. The results indicate that Domestic Investment does not have a significant effect, while the Provincial Minimum Wage and Foreign Investment have a significant effect on the GRDP of the Food and Beverage Processing Industry. These findings are in line with the current government priority programs, namely industrial downstreaming and the Free Nutritious Meal Program. Therefore, this study is expected to provide policy recommendations for the government in strengthening industrial competitiveness, improving workers’ welfare, and supporting the success of current and future government programs

The Influence of Wedding Events and MICE Activities on Food and Beverage Revenue at Samudra Indah Resort & Spa Hotel

I Wayan Nanda Asa UTAMA — 2026-01-31

Hotels are service-oriented businesses; therefore, they are expected to meet all guest needs, including food and beverage services. One of the efforts to increase revenue in this sector is by optimizing the organization of wedding events and MICE activities. The problem addressed in this study is whether the organization of wedding events and MICE activities significantly influences food and beverage revenue at Samudra Indah Resort & Spa Hotel (name changed). The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of wedding events and MICE activities on food and beverage revenue. This research uses a quantitative approach with multiple linear regression analysis. Data were collected through documentation studies and processed using SPSS software. The results of the study show that, based on the multiple linear regression calculation, the equation obtained is Y = 2.617 + 0.580X1 + 0.415X2. Wedding events and MICE activities partially influence food and beverage revenue, as indicated by the t-value > t-table. Simultaneously, both variables have a positive and significant effect, as shown by the F-value > F-table. The coefficient of determination shows that wedding events and MICE activities influence food and beverage revenue by 44.5%, while the remaining 55.5% is affected by other factors not examined in this study.

Customer Care Representative Service Strategies for Tourists’ Comfort While Vacationing in Bali: A Case Study at Travel Agent Company X

Putu Ferry Krisna MAHENDRA — 2026-01-31

This study aims to analyze the service strategies implemented by Customer Care Representatives (CCR) to enhance tourists’ comfort while vacationing in Bali. High-quality CCR service is a key determinant of positive travel experiences, particularly amid intensifying competition in the tourism industry. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, collecting data through interviews, observations, and documentation. Data were analyzed using a SWOT approach and the TOWS strategy matrix to formulate appropriate strategic actions. The findings indicate that service strengths lie in a personalized approach, effective communication, and the use of technologies such as WhatsApp and Google Translate. Identified weaknesses include limited human resources in foreign-language proficiency and the absence of standardized, uniform service procedures. Opportunities arise from strong inbound tourist interest and advances in digital technology, whereas threats stem from competition with online, platform-based services (OTAs). The resulting TOWS strategies include optimizing service digitalization, conducting regular staff training, and strengthening service SOPs. These strategies demonstrably support smooth trip execution and improve tourists’ comfort during their stay in Bali. The study is expected to serve as a reference for tourism industry practitioners—particularly travel agencies—in designing more effective and sustainable service strategies.

Effectiveness of Edutrip and Storyselling in Increasing the Value of Environmentally Friendly Creative Economic Products in Super Priority Tourism Destinations

Purwanto PURWANTO — 2026-01-31

Indonesia's tourism industry has undergone significant transformation in developing super priority tourism destinations that emphasize sustainability and local creative economy empowerment. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of integrating edutrip and storyselling in enhancing the value of environmentally friendly creative economy products at Borobudur super priority tourism destination. Using a qualitative approach with instrumental case study design, this research was conducted at Kriya Kayu Rik-Rok through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, focus group discussions, and documentation with 12 tourists and 8 stakeholders. The findings reveal five main themes of tourist perceptions: authenticity and local wisdom, integrated environmental awareness, transformative experiences, emotional value and personal meaning, and willingness to pay premium for sustainable products. The study develops the Sustainable Creative Value Enhancement Model (MPNKB) which demonstrates value transformation through four sequential stages: immersion, exploration, transformation, and integration. The integration of edutrip and storyselling proves effective in creating a "deep value ecosystem" that facilitates cognitive, affective, and behavioral transformation among tourists. This research concludes that the combined approach successfully transforms tourist perspectives toward sustainable consumption and creates emotional attachment to environmentally friendly creative product.

Smart–Green Tourism: The Role of Digital Technologies in Strengthening Sustainable Practices at Destination Bali

Ni Made SUDARMINI — 2026-01-31

This study explores how digital technologies are utilized to promote and implement sustainable tourism practices in Bali, Indonesia. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the research investigates the integration of smart systems—such as e-ticketing, digital waste management applications, and eco-friendly mobile platforms—in shaping sustainable tourism behavior and governance. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis conducted in two key destinations: Sanur, representing government-led smart city initiatives, and Ubud, representing community-based green tourism. The findings reveal that digital innovation enhances efficiency, transparency, and environmental accountability while also fostering tourists’ awareness and participation in sustainability practices. Social media engagement, particularly through digital storytelling and user-generated content, plays a significant role in strengthening Bali’s image as a smart and sustainable destination. The study proposes a conceptual model of Smart–Green Tourism comprising four components: digital infrastructure, digital engagement, collaborative governance, and continuous monitoring. This model demonstrates how technological innovation and local cultural values can work synergistically to promote environmental stewardship and destination resilience. The study concludes that successful implementation of smart–green tourism in Bali requires cross-sector collaboration, inclusive digital literacy, and sustained commitment to eco-conscious innovation.

The Influence of Workload on Employee Performance Through Job Satisfaction with Transformational Leadership as a Moderating Variable at the Regional Revenue Management Agency of Buru Regency

Yasmin Yulianti Mony — 2026-01-31

This study aims to analyze the effect of workload on employee performance with job satisfaction as a mediating variable and transformational leadership as a moderating variable at the Regional Revenue Management Agency (BPPD) of Buru Regency. This study is motivated by the still low achievement of employee performance as indicated by fluctuations in performance realization and the failure to achieve regional revenue targets, which are thought to be influenced by high workload, low job satisfaction, and the less-than-optimal implementation of transformational leadership. This study uses a quantitative approach. The study population was all 42 employees of BPPD Buru Regency, and all were sampled using a saturated sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire using a Likert scale. Data analysis was carried out using the Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) method using SmartPLS software version 4.0. The results of the study indicate that: (1) workload has a negative and significant effect on employee performance; (2) workload has a negative and significant effect on job satisfaction; (3) job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on employee performance; (4) job satisfaction is proven to mediate the effect of workload on employee performance; and (5) transformational leadership moderates the influence of workload on job satisfaction positively, thereby weakening the negative impact of workload on job satisfaction. The findings of this study confirm that proportional workload management, increasing employee job satisfaction, and the effective implementation of transformational leadership are important factors in improving employee performance at the BPPD Buru Regency.

Collaborative Tourism Study of the “Aromatic Wellness Trip” in Integrating Wellness Tourism and Cultural Tourism by Lokananta and Rumah Atsiri in Solo

Dita Ayu Lestari — 2026-01-31

The post–COVID-19 pandemic growth of wellness tourism has created opportunities for destinations to offer travel experiences that are not only recreation-oriented but also support tourists’ physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual wellness. This study examines the collaborative tourism program “Aromatic Wellness Trip” as an effort to integrate wellness tourism and cultural tourism through cooperation between Lokananta as a historical and music tourism destination, Rumah Atsiri as an essential-oil edu-recreation destination, and Atsiri Jawa as a culture-based wellness destination in the Solo–Tawangmangu area. The research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through a literature review, participant observation, and in-depth interviews with the managers of Lokananta, Rumah Atsiri, and Atsiri Jawa. The findings indicate that the collaborative packages—Day Experience and Cultural Wellness Journey—are able to create a holistic travel experience that combines music-history education, essential-oil exploration, wellness activities, and the internalization of Javanese cultural values. This collaboration contributes to strengthening Solo’s image as a cultural and wellness destination, increasing economic value added for the participating destinations, and preserving historical heritage and local wisdom. Nevertheless, challenges related to program sustainability, human resource capacity, and promotional intensity still require a more structured collaborative management strategy. The findings are expected to serve as a reference for developing sustainable collaborative tourism models in other destinations across Indonesia.