Semarang’s nature tourism: Sustaining growth through digital-based innovation and stakeholder collaboration

https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v7i1.2779
Published: Sep 8, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: This study aims to explore strategies for conserving sustainable nature tourism in Semarang City by emphasizing the roles of stakeholder collaboration and digital-based innovation. As a provincial capital, Semarang holds diverse yet under-optimized tourism potential, especially in its natural attractions.

Methodology/approach: The research uses a qualitative case study approach focusing on Tinjomoyo Forest and Jatibarang Reservoir. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, participant observation, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns related to collaboration and digital transformation in tourism management.

Results/findings: Findings show that collaboration among local governments, MSMEs, and communities has supported improvements in tourism services and promotion. However, the adoption of digital technologies for governance and marketing remains limited. Infrastructure deficits and lack of digital capacity are key barriers

Conclusion: Strengthening stakeholder collaboration, enhancing digital literacy, and developing inclusive infrastructure are critical to advancing sustainable tourism in Semarang. A practical development model integrating community empowerment and technology is essential for long-term impact.equipment, reducing reliance on conventional UPS systems.

Limitations: This study is limited to two tourism sites and relies solely on qualitative methods, reducing its generalizability.

Contribution: This research contributes to the discourse on urban sustainable tourism by offering a replicable model centered on collaboration and digital innovation, particularly applicable to developing cities facing rapid urbanization and environmental challenges.

Keywords:
1. Collaboration
2. Digital Innovation
3. MSMEs
4. Semarang
5. Sustainable Tourism
Authors:
1 . Putra Perdana
UPN "Veteran" in East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia
2 . Bambang Riyadi
17 Agustus 1945 University, Semarang, Indonesia
3 . Giyah Yuliari
17 Agustus 1945 University, Semarang, Indonesia
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How to Cite
Perdana, P., Riyadi, B. ., & Yuliari, G. (2025). Semarang’s nature tourism: Sustaining growth through digital-based innovation and stakeholder collaboration. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 7(1), 95–106. https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v7i1.2779
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Issue & Section
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): September
Articles
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  2. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic Analysis In Psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77-101. doi:https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
  3. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, And Mixed Methods Approaches: Sage publications.
  4. Cristea, A. A., Apostol, M.-S., & Dosescu, T. (2015). The Role Of Media In Promoting Religious Tourism In Romania. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 188, 302-306. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.03.398
  5. de Matos, A. D., Chen, A., Maggs, R., Godfrey, A. J. R., & Hort, J. (2025). Cross-Cultural Differences And Acculturation In Affective Response And Sensory Perception: A Case Study Across Chinese Immigrants And Local Consumers In New Zealand. Food Quality and Preference, 122, 105299. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2024.105299
  6. Ernadia, L., Werdiningsih, H., & Suyono, B. (2014). Pengembangan Kawasan Wisata Waduk Jatibarang di Semarang Dengan Penekanan Desain Ekowisata. IMAJI, 3(4), 847-854.
  7. Gao, J., & Wu, B. (2017). Revitalizing Traditional Villages Through Rural Tourism: A Case Study Of Yuanjia Village, Shaanxi Province, China. Tourism management, 63, 223-233. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2017.04.003
  8. Gavurova, B., Skare, M., Belas, J., Rigelsky, M., & Ivankova, V. (2023). The Relationship Between Destination Image And Destination Safety During Technological And Social Changes Covid-19 Pandemic. Technological forecasting and social change, 191, 122488. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122488
  9. Gunawan, A., Fatikasari, A. F., & Putri, S. A. (2023). The Effect Of Using Cashless (QRIS) On Daily Payment Transactions Using The Technology Acceptance Model. Procedia Computer Science, 227, 548-556. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2023.10.557
  10. Idajati, H. (2014). Cultural And Tourism Planning As Tool For City Revitalization The Case Study Of Kalimas River, Surabaya-Indonesia. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 135, 136-141. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.337
  11. Ikram, M., & Nur, M. J. (2012). Peranan Pasar Tradisional Dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat (Studi Kasus Pada Pasar Pa’baeng-Baeng Di Kecamatan Tamalate Kota Makassar). Jurnal Ekonomi Balance, 8(2), 128-141. doi:https://doi.org/10.26618/jeb.v12i2.1999
  12. Indrianto, A. T. L., & Kristanti, D. A. (2024). Pengembangan Wisata Kuliner Di Kota Semarang. Jurnal Cahaya Mandalika, 5(1), 203-208. doi:https://doi.org/10.36312/jcm.v5i1.2633
  13. Kawulur, A., Sumual, T., & Wuryaningrat, N. (2025). The Competitiveness of MSMEs in the Tourism Sector: The Role of Social Capital and Innovation. Journal of The Community Development in Asia, 8, 131-145. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.32535/jcda.v8i1.3684
  14. Khairatun, S. N. (2020). International Culinary Influence On Street Food: An Observatory Study. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 1(3), 179-193. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v1i3.304
  15. Kirk, R. (2023). Lifestyle Centers, The Next Boom And Bust After Shopping Malls? Governance, Public-Private Partnerships, And Guy Debord's Spectacle In Dallas-Fort Worth. Cities, 133, 104155. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2022.104155
  16. Lapuz, M. C. M. (2023). The Role Of Local Community Empowerment In The Digital Transformation Of Rural Tourism Development In The Philippines. Technology in Society, 74, 102308. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102308
  17. Luongo, S., Sepe, F., & Del Gaudio, G. (2023). Regional Innovation Systems In Tourism: The Role Of Collaboration And Competition. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9(4), 100148. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100148
  18. Mahrinasari, M., Bangsawan, S., & Sabri, M. F. (2024). Local Wisdom And Government's Role In Strengthening The Sustainable Competitive Advantage Of Creative Industries. Heliyon, 10(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31133
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  20. Maziliauske, E. (2024). Innovation For Sustainability Through Co-Creation By Small And Medium-Sized Tourism Enterprises (Smes): Socio-Cultural Sustainability Benefits To Rural Destinations. Tourism Management Perspectives, 50, 101201. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2023.101201
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  22. Murniati, & Wenzano, P. P. (2024). Impact of Transportation Infrastructure on Tourism Development: Analyzing Factors Influencing Visit Decisions and Economic Welfare Improvement. Pakistan Journal of Life & Social Sciences, 22(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.57239/pjlss-2024-22.2.00818
  23. Nuanmeesri, S. (2022). Development Of Community Tourism Enhancement In Emerging Cities Using Gamification And Adaptive Tourism Recommendation. Journal of king Saud university-computer and information sciences, 34(10), 8549-8563. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksuci.2021.04.007
  24. Patandianan, M. V., & Shibusawa, H. (2020). Importance And Performance Of Streetscapes At A Tourism Destination In Indonesia: The Residents’ Perspectives. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 9(3), 641-655. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2020.05.006
  25. Pattiyagedara, P. G. S. S., & Ranasinghe, J. P. R. C. (2024). Responsible Tourism Development-A Systematic Review & Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 4(2), 143-169. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v4i2.1960
  26. Pradana, S. H., Larasati, E., & Mustam, M. (2013). Strategi Pengembangan Ekowisata Taman Margasatwa Mangkang Kota Semarang. Journal of Public Policy and Management Review, 2(2), 491-500. doi:https://doi.org/10.14710/jppmr.v2i2.2481
  27. Rysbekova, S., Duissenbayeva, A., & Izmailov, I. (2014). Religious Tourism As A Sociocultural Phenomenon Of The Present “The Unique Sense Today Is A Universal Value Tomorrow. This Is The Way Religions Are Created And Values Are Made.”. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 143, 958-963. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.534
  28. Santarsiero, F., Carlucci, D., & Schiuma, G. (2024). Driving Digital Transformation And Business Model Innovation In Tourism Through Innovation Labs: An Empirical Study. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 74, 101841. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2024.101841
  29. Soeswoyo, D. M., Arafah, W., Oktadiana, H., & Budiman, S. F. (2025). Cultural Preservation As A Catalyst For Sustainable Tourism: Challenges And Potentials In Cimande Tourism Village, Indonesia. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 6(2), 161-178. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v6i2.2458
  30. Su, Z., Lei, B., Lu, D., Lai, S., & Zhang, X. (2024). Impact Of Ecological Presence In Virtual Reality Tourism On Enhancing Tourists’ Environmentally Responsible Behavior. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 5939. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56615-z
  31. Tarigan, M. I., Lubis, A. N., Rini, E. S., & Sembiring, B. K. F. (2020). Antecedents of destination brand experience. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 4(2), 131-141. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v4i2.428
  32. Vitasurya, V. R. (2016). Local Wisdom For Sustainable Development Of Rural Tourism, Case On Kalibiru And Lopati Village, Province Of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 216, 97-108. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.12.014
  33. Widiyanti, A. (2018). A Comparative Study: One Village One Product (OVOP) As An Engine Of Local Economic Development In Japan And Indonesia. Jurnal Litbang Sukowati: Media Penelitian Dan Pengembangan, 1(2), 80-94. doi:https://doi.org/10.32630/sukowati.v1i2.25
  34. WWF. (2009). Prinsip dan Kriteria Ekowisata Berbasis Masyarakat.
  35. Zeng, Z. (2024). Entrepreneurial Orientation And Firm Performance: The Role Of Advice Seeking In The Tourism And Hospitality Industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 122, 103859. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2024.103859
  36. Zhang, H., Qiu, R. T., Wen, L., Song, H., & Liu, C. (2023). Has Covid-19 Changed Tourist Destination Choice? Annals of Tourism Research, 103, 103680. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2023.103680