Mangrove Tourism Suitability in Jor Bay, East Lombok District, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Assessment of mangrove ecosystem suitability is essential for supporting sustainable ecotourism development. However, no previous study has evaluated the Jor Bay mangrove ecosystem in East Lombok Regency, Indonesia, by integrating biophysical tourism suitability with stakeholder perceptions. This study aimed to assess the suitability of the ecosystem for mangrove ecotourism using the Tourism Suitability Index (TSI) and to evaluate stakeholder perceptions of its development. A quantitative descriptive approach was applied. Field observations were conducted at nine stations selected through purposive sampling, while mangrove vegetation data were collected through stratified random sampling using three quadrat transects at each station. Mangrove thickness, density, species composition, tidal range, and associated biota were assessed to determine the TSI. Stakeholder perceptions were evaluated using Likert-scale questionnaires administered to eight purposively selected respondents comprising tourism operators, fishers, village government staff, and tourism managers. Mangrove thickness ranged from 27.5 to 119 m, density ranged from 5 to 31 individuals per 100 m², and five mangrove species were identified. TSI values ranged from 0.647 to 1.533; most stations were classified as unsuitable, while Station 2 was highly unsuitable. Limited mangrove thickness was the principal constraint, although the other assessed parameters were relatively favourable. Stakeholder perceptions were highly positive, with all indicators classified as very high. These findings indicate that the current biophysical conditions do not yet meet the suitability criteria for mangrove ecotourism development, despite strong stakeholder support for its future development.