Empowerment Model for Sustainable Tourism Village in an Emerging Country

This study aims to examine the community empowerment model to develop sustainable tourism villages in Indonesia. This study applies a qualitative method. Data collection is conducted through interviews, observations, and focus group discussions held in Ponggok Village of Central Java Province - Indonesia. The results of this study found that the tourism development carried out in the Ponggok Village used four approaches (1) spatial approach as a basis in determining the direction of village development; (2) sectoral approach through increasing the role of the Village Owned Enterprises to build the village economy; (3) human resources to enhance the role of village communities in managing village potentials; and (4) use of information technology to improve service quality, transparency and accountability. The success of these four approaches is influenced by the leadership, innovation, collaboration, and good village governance. The success of the Ponggok village to become an independent village in improving the welfare of the community is inseparable from the success of the Ponggok village government in empowering the community to manage sustainable tourism development. The success of development with these four approaches is influenced by leadership, innovation, collaboration, and good governance.