Driving Sustainable Rural Tourism and MSME Globalization Through International Community-Based Collaboration: Evidence from Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines an international community-based program aimed at strengthening sustainable rural tourism and promoting MSME globalization in Sukaraja Village, Indonesia. The study addresses a critical gap in the literature by integrating Community-Based Tourism (CBT), digital transformation, and international academic collaboration into a unified framework. A participatory–collaborative approach was employed, involving training, mentoring, and interactive engagement with 45 participants, including local government officials, MSME actors, tourism groups, and students. Data were collected using pre-test and post-test instruments, supported by qualitative methods such as interviews and observations. The results reveal a significant increase in participants’ knowledge, with an average improvement of 47%, particularly in digital marketing, international collaboration, and MSME internationalization strategies. The program also generated institutional outcomes, including the establishment of a Village Tourism Management Committee, reflecting strengthened local governance and community ownership. Furthermore, the integration of digital capabilities and global networking enhanced the competitiveness of local tourism products and MSMEs. This study contributes to the literature by proposing an integrated model of sustainable community-based ecotourism that bridges local empowerment with global market access through digital innovation and cross-border collaboration. The findings offer practical implications for policymakers and practitioners in developing countries seeking to enhance rural tourism competitiveness while ensuring sustainability.