Regenerative Tourism: A Case Study of Wukirsari Tourism Village, Bantul, Yogyakarta

Abstract

Moving beyond the poverty-focused paradigm, regenerative tourism emphasizes restoring and strengthening a destination's environmental, cultural, and social well-being, rather than merely limiting negative impacts. This study examines the implementation of regenerative tourism in Wukirsari Tourism Village, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, focusing on its cultural and environmental dimensions. Using a qualitative case study design, the study collected primary data through in-depth interviews with three destination managers. The study validated these findings through source triangulation with community groups and the Bantul Regency Government. Data were analyzed thematically through stages of reduction, categorization, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the regeneration process in Wukirsari unfolds along two paths. Culturally, this is reflected in the practice of hand-drawn batik (batik tulis), the intergenerational transfer of batik skills, strengthened local identity, culturally immersive tourism experiences, and active community engagement. Environmentally, this is evident in heightened ecological awareness among residents, waste reduction and reuse, and increasingly eco-friendly tourism practices. Nevertheless, the village still faces challenges in maintaining consistent environmental management, building community capacity, integrating various programs, and developing systematic indicators to measure regenerative outcomes. The study concludes that Wukirsari is transitioning from mere aspiration toward genuine regeneration. However, this process requires stronger collaborative governance, clearer impact measurement, and closer integration between cultural preservation and environmental restoration.