The Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) is strengthening its partnerships with local stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), focusing on enhancing the Komodo Tour experience. As one of Indonesia’s most iconic travel offerings, the Komodo Tour—which typically includes visits to Komodo Island and surrounding destinations—plays a vital role in the region’s tourism growth. BPOLBF’s collaborative approach ensures this growth is inclusive, environmentally responsible, and rooted in community engagement.

Inclusive Development for Long-Term Impact

In a recent coordination meeting held in Ende Regency, BPOLBF brought together representatives from local government, tourism operators, creative economy players, and community organisations to discuss the development of sustainable tourism ecosystems. These discussions are critical to improving the visitor experience and ensuring long-term positive impact, particularly in high-demand areas like the Komodo National Park.

Shana Fatina, President Director of BPOLBF, emphasised that the Komodo Tour and other tourism activities must be managed through inclusive strategies that involve local communities and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “We don’t just want tourists to visit—we want them to connect with the culture and people here,” she said. “Tourism must be empowering, especially for the locals who are at the heart of this experience.”

As part of these efforts, BPOLBF is supporting initiatives such as training for hospitality providers, branding for local products, and capacity building for tour operators—including those offering Komodo Liveaboard services, which allow guests to explore the islands by yacht while experiencing personalised and sustainable travel.

Highlighting Ende and the Komodo Corridor

The meeting also spotlighted Ende Regency’s potential as part of a wider Flores tourism corridor that supports the Komodo region. While the tri-coloured Kelimutu Lake and the historical legacy of Soekarno in Ende draw unique visitors, many tourists also extend their journeys to include a Komodo Tour, which offers encounters with the legendary Komodo dragons and pristine island landscapes.

By promoting a unified tourism experience that stretches from Ende to Komodo Island, BPOLBF aims to spread economic benefits more evenly across NTT. The agency encourages tour providers to link packages with multiple destinations, combining nature, history, and culture to offer more immersive travel.

Strengthening the Komodo Liveaboard Experience

A key part of the Komodo Tour experience is the growing popularity of Komodo Liveaboard options. These overnight boat journeys allow travellers to wake up near secluded bays, dive with manta rays and enjoy sunrises over uninhabited islands while minimising their environmental footprint. BPOLBF guides these operators on sustainable practices, from waste management at sea to responsible wildlife encounters.

BPOLBF collaborates with local communities, operators, and regional governments to lay the foundation for a resilient and inclusive tourism ecosystem. The goal is to ensure that as demand for the Komodo Tour continues to rise, the region remains committed to preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage for generations.