Predicting urban carrying capacity to support sustainable tourism using GIS

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to quantifying urban carrying capacity prediction to support sustainable tourism industry in the Urban Area of Labuan Bajo Flores. This study uses the superimpose method with weighted overlay in spatial modeling to analyze land, water, electricity, settlements, and waste carrying capacity. In 2042, it is expected that three of the five carrying capacity variables will experience a deficit. The deficiency variables are the availability of land, electricity, and water. In addition, these conditions are assessed through spatial distribution using GIS, which identifies four regions in the Labuan Bajo urban area that fall under the category of high-priority treatment. Based on these findings, Labuan Bajo must prioritize sustainability so that the spatial planning and allocation of resources are cognizant of carrying capacity in order to realize sustainable development of urban area with main activity is tourism industry, particularly in the urban area of Labuan Bajo.KEYWORDS: Urban carrying capacityGIS spatial modelingLabuan Bajo Floressustainable tourismnature-based tourism AcknowledgementsThank the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research and Technology, Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology through the KEDAIREKA scheme for the 2022 Fiscal Year (Contract Number: 683/E1. l/KS.06.02/2022). We also thank Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) for the cooperation and facilities provided during this research. The author also thanks I.G. Wiratmaja, Amar, and Candra Margarena for contributing to infographics and field surveys in Labuan Bajo Flores.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by Kementerian Riset Teknologi Dan Pendidikan Tinggi Republik Indonesia [grant number 683/E1. l/KS.06.02/2022].