Connectivity, sport events, and tourism development of Mandalika's special economic zone: A perspective from big data cognitive analytics

This study examines the interplay of air connectivity, sports events, infrastructures, and fiscal support during the period 2017 and 2022 in a designated area called Special Economic Zone in Mandalika, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara to boost tourism development in Indonesia by utilizing big data cognitive analytics. We examine the tourism development impacted by the MotoGP event in 2022 and air connectivity. Further, this paper discusses the network connectivity of flights at Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the new normal. We found that the combination of an international airport, globally recognized sports events, and government support has directly and positively improved the tourism industry's performance in the country and especially within Lombok Island. We suggest policy recommendations to support economic activities in Mandalika's Special Economic Zone and its hinterland to maintain business sustainability and utilize the existing infrastructures at the optimum level. Lessons learned from the Indonesian experience could help other developing countries that are devising policies and strategies to develop the tourism industry by employing proper instruments such as infrastructure, events, and fiscal policies. © 2023 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.

A Shift in Information Dissemination Methods in a Cultural Ritual amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aims to unravel the shift in the customary method of disseminating information about the ritual of Perang Topat (literally translated as “rice-cake war”) as carried out by the custom community of Kemaliq Lingsar in the West Lombok Regencyof Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grounded in the ethnography of communication research methodology, this studyexamines the process of the cultural ritual during the 2020 period of the pandemic and compares it to the ones held in 2018and 2019 (before the current pandemic). Drawing on findings from observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation, it wasrevealed that the traditional or custom-oriented community of Kemaliq Lingsar abandoned all three prominently used methods ofdisseminating the information of the Perang Topat ritual that had been used prior to the pandemic, and that they were replaced bya strategy with solely face-to-face (FTF) interpersonal communication carried out by visiting the homes of the target participants ofthe cultural event. This method was relevant to the current viral crisis because it enabled the committee to minimize the number ofspectators which might potentially violate COVID-19 health protocols. This finding also reinforces the hypothetical statement thatinterpersonal communication via FTF is effective in disseminating information in a limited manner and empowering the emotionalbond between the individuals who share relationships and similar interests. The findings of the present study can be a referencefor any events where physical distancing must be strictly imposed and require a limit to the number of participants during thepandemic © Suhadah Suhadah, Deddy Mulyana, Pawit M. Yusup, Nuryah Asri Sjafirah, 2021

Safer destinations, healthier staff and happier tourists: opportunities for inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene in tourism. (Special Issue: Consumer experience management and customer journeys in tourism, hospitality and events.)

Sustainable tourism development, including tourism's COVID-19 recovery, requires a holistic view of environmental and community benefits, including access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). This study presents a system-wide Inclusive WASH in tourism framework for destinations. Using a qualitative approach including interviews and focus groups, the framework is applied at three system scales: hotels, the community and wider destination to assess the current WASH situation in Mandalika, Lombok, Indonesia, a water-scarce destination earmarked for rapid development. Findings highlight differences in Inclusive WASH practices between hotels and communities, the potential for conflict and gendered inequalities. Barriers linked to system elements, structure and the enabling environment are identified. Addressing inequitable planning processes, improving stakeholder engagement and creating tools for hotels to improve Inclusive WASH can contribute to improving destination value. Findings are relevant for practitioners, government and community organisations integrating Sustainable Development Gaols 5 and 6 into tourism development and recovery.