By: Fransiska Ananda Lawang & Romanus Hayon ( Students at UNIKA ST PAULUS RUTENG)
Medialabuanbajo.com,- Tourism has become one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth in Indonesia. From Bali to Labuan Bajo, tourism destinations attract millions of visitors every year and generate significant income for local communities.
However, behind the impressive growth figures and ambitious tourism development projects lies a critical question: Are tourists truly protected when they visit these destinations? The pursuit of economic benefits often receives greater attention than visitor protection, creating a dangerous imbalance that should not be ignored.
In my view, the success of a tourism destination should not be measured solely by the number of visitors or the amount of revenue generated. A destination cannot be considered successful if tourists face unnecessary risks due to poor management, inadequate infrastructure, or weak emergency preparedness.
Tourist protection is not merely an additional feature of tourism development; it is a fundamental requirement that should come before efforts to increase visitor numbers.
One reason why this issue deserves serious attention is that many tourism activities involve considerable risks. Marine tourism, mountain climbing, diving, and adventure tourism all require proper management and preventive measures.
Unfortunately, some destinations still lack sufficient warning signs, trained rescue teams, emergency response systems, and routine risk assessments. When these elements are absent, accidents become more likely and can have devastating consequences.
The importance of visitor protection is evident in several real-world incidents. In 2018, the earthquake and tsunami in Central Sulawesi severely affected tourists and exposed weaknesses in disaster preparedness and emergency evacuation systems.
More recently, various incidents involving boating accidents and drowning cases in popular Indonesian destinations have highlighted the need for stricter supervision and operational standards. These events demonstrate that tourism growth without adequate protection measures can place both visitors and local communities at risk.
Another important concern is that many authorities and tourism businesses often focus heavily on promotion while neglecting essential protective measures. Massive investments are made in marketing campaigns, social media branding, and infrastructure development, yet investments in emergency facilities, staff training, and risk management frequently remain limited.
This approach reflects a short-term mindset that prioritises profits over visitor well-being. Such negligence can ultimately damage the destination’s reputation.
The responsibility for protecting tourists should be clearly shared among several parties. First, local and national governments must establish and enforce strict regulations regarding operational standards, emergency procedures, and disaster preparedness.
Government agencies should conduct regular inspections and impose sanctions on operators that fail to comply with established requirements.
Second, tourism operators—including hotel managers, tour companies, boat operators, diving centres, and attraction managers—must ensure that their services meet professional standards.
They should provide clear information about potential risks, maintain equipment properly, employ trained personnel, and prepare effective emergency response plans. Visitor protection should be viewed as a professional obligation rather than a financial burden.
Third, local communities play an equally important role. Residents are often the first people tourists encounter when facing difficulties. By promoting awareness, hospitality, and cooperation with authorities, local communities can help create an environment where visitors feel secure and welcomed.
Furthermore, investment in protection measures should be recognised as a long-term investment in the sustainability of tourism itself. Reliable emergency services, effective communication systems, trained personnel, and adequate infrastructure can improve visitor confidence and overall travel experiences.
Tourists who feel protected are more likely to leave positive reviews, return in the future, and recommend the destination to others.
In conclusion, the rapid growth of tourism should not overshadow the responsibility to protect visitors. A destination that prioritises promotion while neglecting risk management is building success on an unstable foundation.
Governments, tourism operators, and local communities must move beyond slogans and take concrete action to ensure that every destination is properly prepared to handle emergencies and prevent accidents.
Economic growth may attract tourists, but trust and protection are what keep them coming back. Therefore, as tourism continues to expand, tourist safety must not be treated as an afterthought—it must become the foundation of sustainable tourism development. (*)
