Vian Dedi Pratama, Citra Satrya Utama Dewi, Sukandar, Pudji Purwanti, Andik Isdianto, Oktiyas Muzakky Lutfi, Sunardi
Sustainable marine tourism development requires a strategic balance between environmental conservation and economic growth. This study assesses the feasibility of marine tourism in South Malang by evaluating 50 coastal sites using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework. The assessment incorporates environmental suitability, infrastructure readiness, market potential, community engagement, and regulatory support to determine the most viable locations for tourism development. Data collection involved field observations, stakeholder interviews, and spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The results identify key tourism zones, with high-feasibility sites such as Watu Lepek and Pasir Panjang demonstrating strong environmental quality and tourism potential. Conversely, lower-scoring sites like Sipelot and Gatra require conservation prioritization due to ecological sensitivity. Considering South Malang's current early-stage tourism conditions, particularly following improved coastal access via the newly opened South Cross Road, the study proposes a zoning strategy aligned with Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC), specifically the exploration phase and applies the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) framework to proactively manage ecological thresholds. The study proposes a zoning strategy that integrates tourism growth with environmental management, ensuring that development aligns with sustainability principles. Additionally, it highlights the importance of infrastructure investment, stakeholder participation, and adaptive conservation policies in maintaining ecological resilience while fostering regional economic benefits. This research contributes to sustainable tourism planning by offering a structured approach to site evaluation and zoning, supporting policymakers in making data-driven decisions that balance tourism expansion with long-term ecological protection. ©2025 The authors.
Department of Fishery and Marine Resources Utilization, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Socio-Economy Fisheries and Marine Department, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, 70383, Poland
