As an archipelagic country with strong maritime and mountainous landscapes, Indonesia continues to see the rapid growth of eco-resorts. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in green and sustainable tourism has increased significantly. By 2036, the sustainable tourism market is projected to reach a value of up to USD 17.8 billion. Demand for this sector has also grown by 41.8%, driving the widespread use of “eco,” “green,” and “sustainable” as key branding narratives.
With the global expansion of sustainable tourism, Indonesia is particularly well-positioned to benefit. Its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and strong cultural identity offer a unique value proposition for tourism. At the same time, traveler expectations are gradually shifting. What was once limited to conventional tourism activities framed with sustainability narratives has now evolved into a deeper emphasis on responsible resource use, community empowerment, and transparency in sustainable practices when selecting destinations and accommodations. A 2026 survey shows that 75% of Asian tourists now consider sustainability factors when planning their travel—ranging from accommodation choices to routes and destinations.
This shift has prompted responses from regulators, industry players, and environmental policies to support the sector’s growth. Indonesia itself has begun implementing sustainable tourism practices across its diverse island ecosystems, focusing on conservation-driven activities and eco-resort development.
Amid these evolving dynamics, Indonesia employs various approaches to balance market demand with ecological sensitivity. Initiatives such as coral reef protection, mangrove restoration, and forest conservation not only contribute to environmental preservation but also create meaningful experiences for tourists. In this context, local communities are encouraged to participate in tourism activities, ensuring that economic benefits align with biodiversity conservation and cultural preservation.
At the policy level, Indonesia has established a regulatory foundation that reflects the commitment of tourism industry actors—hotels, resorts, and operators—to sustainability. This is outlined in the Regulation of the Minister of Public Works and Housing No. 21 of 2021 on Green Building Performance Assessment. However, as market developments extend beyond national boundaries, there is increasing pressure to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesia’s tourism destinations.
Across Asia, countries are actively developing and replicating green tourism models. Growing demand for transparency, authenticity, and low-impact travel has revealed that successful sustainable tourism strategies are often supported by the integration of green policies into national tourism frameworks. Beyond policy, certification systems play a critical role in ensuring that hotels, resorts, and operators meet established environmental standards. Equally important is the involvement of local communities to sustain economic circulation while preserving cultural identity.
Perspectives are now shifting. Sustainability is no longer seen merely as regulatory compliance, but as a market expectation that must be fulfilled. The range of activities offered through eco-resorts demonstrates that sustainability is no longer defined at the level of individual structures, but rather by how an entire landscape functions as an interconnected ecosystem.
Several eco-resorts in Indonesia are beginning to position themselves among the first to adopt a more integrated approach—committing to sustainability as a system embedded across the entire resort area. This marks a transition toward a more structured and measurable approach, exemplified through the adoption of Greenship Neighbourhood certification by the Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI).
Green building and area-based certification shift the focus of sustainability beyond design. The certification process requires comprehensive integration—from planning and design to construction and verification. It goes beyond visual branding, emphasizing measurable performance across environmental, operational, and financial dimensions. These include land use and ecological preservation, site planning and connectivity, water management, energy efficiency, and integrated waste systems.
Greenship Neighbourhood certification represents a tangible commitment for eco-resorts to achieve operational efficiency, reduce risks, and enhance competitiveness. More importantly, it enables projects to position themselves with greater credibility—moving beyond superficial sustainability claims and avoiding the pitfalls of “greenwashing.”
References:
- Future Market Insights. (2026). Sustainable tourism sector: Overview and analysis.
- Kementerian Pekerjaan Umum dan Perumahan Rakyat. (2021). Peraturan Menteri Pekerjaan Umum dan Perumahan Rakyat Nomor 21 Tahun 2021 tentang Penilaian Kinerja Bangunan Gedung Hijau.
- Kumar, R. (2026). Asia’s eco-tourism surge: Vietnam leads sustainable travel revolution. Nomad Lawyer.
