Empowering Local Communities: The Power of Sustainable Tourism in Hospitality

Sustainable tourism is most impactful when it is rooted in collaboration. By building genuine partnerships with local communities, the hospitality industry can help create meaningful change that extends far beyond the walls of hotels and resorts.

Strengthening Communities Through Local Partnerships

Engaging with local communities is not only a way to give back — it is also an opportunity to co-create value that benefits everyone involved. When hospitality businesses actively listen to, support, and invest in local people, they foster trust and shared ownership of the tourism experience.

The following slides present data highlighting how local residents are increasingly employed in the hospitality sector, with Bali serving as a key example of this positive trend.

According to the database compiled by IDSC, the chart below shows the percentage of local people employed in the hospitality sector in Indonesia from 2023.

IDSC data from 2023 to 2025 shows that out of 339 inspected properties across Indonesia—including hotels, resorts, and villas—329 of them have at least 80% local employees. This highlights a strong commitment to local employment in the hospitality sector and reinforces the importance of business-community partnerships in driving sustainable and inclusive growth

Strategies

Hospitality businesses have a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of their surroundings by:

• Hiring and training local residents, creating pathways for both personal and professional growth.
• Sourcing goods and services locally, which helps strengthen small businesses and support the local economy.
• Designing cultural experiences in collaboration with communities, ensuring that these offerings are both authentic and respectful.
• Partnering with local organizations and community leaders to co-create initiatives that address shared priorities such as education, health, and environmental sustainability.