Vol. 19 No. 1 (2021)

EDITORIAL

From the ASEAN Journal of Hospitality and Tourism (AJHT) editorial team, we would like to greet the academic community and researchers in the field of tourism and hospitality from Bandung Indonesia. Starting from volume 19 number 1, April 2021, AJHT will increase its publication time from two to three times a year, every April, August, and December. So that researchers whose papers pass the publishing process can be published immediately.

This April issue of AJHT presents six papers covering several essential aspects of tourism sector development. Sustainability is a central theme related to climate change, carrying capacity, heritage, and the application of technology in tourism, particularly in developing countries. And finally, regarding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourism. Papers published in this issue include researchers from countries such as the UK, Philippines, Indonesia, United States, South Korea, and India.

The first article discusses the perceptions of tourism accommodation suppliers on adaptation measures to the impacts of climate change, with the study location in a coastal tourism area, Koh Phi Phi Island, Thailand. This study explains that most businesses have implemented (consciously or not) climate change adaptation measures, such as insurance coverage, water treatment equipment, and staff training on emergency response.

Then the second article discusses the concept of sustainable tourism and carrying capacity. This paper uses an analysis of the tourism suitability index and the Boullon Carrying Capacity Mathematical Model (BCCMM) in assessing four selected tourist sites in Tinambac, Camarines Sur, Philippines. The third article discusses the cultural potential and history of cultural heritage areas. Actions that need to be taken for preservation are to develop it into a tourist spot. The development strategy proposed in this study includes (1) conservation, attractions, and cultural experiences, (2) heritage tourism facilities, (3) human resource development, (4) increasing the sense of place by raising local wisdom, and (5) development of supporting accessibility.

The fourth article is a study of the potential of technology for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Nepal. The study reveals that new technologies help reduce manual work and maximize productivity. The challenges of technological interventions and the steps required to overcome these barriers are explored. In addition, this paper also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on tourism in Nepal and puts forward the suggestions needed to reduce the crisis.

The fifth article discusses the sustainability of Lake Toba in North Sumatra. It examines coastal tourism in Indonesia and discusses possible steps to achieve sustainable coastal tourism on Lake Toba. The research results reveal that the scholars' laws and government policies, and recommendations significantly strengthen sustainable tourism on Lake Toba.

And the last one discusses the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism sector globally. The paper shows the various efforts made by these countries to open borders to attract tourists but has not been able to increase the confidence of tourists to travel. Globalization has increased the vulnerability of tourism to crises, and sustainability supported by innovation may be a way out for this sector.

That is a summary of the six papers published in this edition. Hopefully, the next issue will be better.

Alhilal Furqan

Editor-in-Chief

ASEAN Journal on Hospitality and Tourism

Centre for Tourism Planning and Development

Institut Teknologi Bandung