Transforming tourism potential through sustainable resort hotel landscape design at Waecicu Beach

Waecicu Beach, located north of Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, is renowned for its tourism potential and resort accommodations. However, the increasing number of visitors to Labuan Bajo has not been accompanied by adequate growth in resort hotel facilities, presenting a key challenge. This research analyzes the tourism potential of Waecicu Beach, focusing on the area’s only resort hotel. The objective is to identify tourism aspects that should be prioritized to develop a sustainable resort hotel landscape. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, with variables based on the Analysis of Operational Areas of Objects and Natural Tourism Attractions (Analisis Daerah Operasi Obyek dan Daya Tarik Wisata Alam, ADO-ODTWA). Data collection methods include focus group discussions, interviews, questionnaires, and observations. The analysis integrates ADO-ODTWA with the Likert Scale to identify development priorities. The results reveal six key variables to prioritize: tourist attractions, accessibility, amenities, surrounding area conditions, security, and management and services. Emphasizing these variables in resort hotel development can enhance local community involvement, from the initial planning stage to management and service delivery. Additionally, early identification of maintenance needs can help increase visitor loyalty, ensure the availability of maintenance funding, and contribute to community welfare.