Beyond Growth-Centricity: A Sound Governance Framework for Sustainable Tourism through Multi-Stakeholder Co-Management and SDG-Based Evaluation

Abstract

This study examines the integration of Sound Governance principles within the sustainable tourism policy cycle to address institutional fragmentation and evaluation inefficiencies in developing economies. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the research develops a multidimensional evaluation framework aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), analyzing policy performance across five strategic domains: Economy, Social-Welfare, Culture-Education, Environment, and Governance. The quantitative phase utilizes 17 adapted SDG indicators to measure policy efficacy, while the qualitative phase employs semi-structured interviews and stakeholder mapping to deconstruct power dynamics in multi-actor co-management structures. The findings reveal that Sound Governance—specifically transparency and accountability—serves as a critical catalyst for policy effectiveness, significantly influencing destination sustainability through an input-process-output-outcome-impact pathway. Empirical evidence from the case of Penglipuran Village, Bali, corroborates these results, demonstrating that indigenous institutional legitimacy enhances social responsiveness but remains vulnerable to overtourism-driven economic dependency. Notably, the study demonstrates that integrating SDGs into the policy evaluation cycle transforms assessments from mere administrative formalities into strategic instruments for long-term demand stability and ecosystem preservation. These findings position Sound Governance as a strategic intangible asset, offering theoretical contributions to development administration and practical guidance for policy-makers navigating the complexities of sustainable destination management in competitive global markets