Developing an Integrated University Town Framework as a Catalyst For Sustainable Tourism in Bandung

Lies T Juliawati; Wibowo Cahyoseputro

doi:10.61994/equivalent.v4i2.2257

Authors

Lies T Juliawati Business Entrepreneurship Study Program, Universitas Bina Nusantara, Indonesia Author
Wibowo Cahyoseputro Management Study Program, Universitas Teknologi Digital, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61994/equivalent.v4i2.2257

Keywords:

University town, Destination competitiveness, Netnography, Porter’s Diamond Model, Sustainable tourism, Destination branding

Abstract

University towns function not only as centers of higher education but also as ecosystems of economic, social, cultural, creative, and tourism activity. This study aims to analyze the factors shaping university town competitiveness, identify development constraints, and formulate an integrated framework that positions university towns as catalysts for sustainable tourism in Bandung. The study applies a qualitative approach by integrating Porter’s Diamond Model with a netnographic perspective. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, documentation, and digital content analysis across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Google Reviews, X, Reddit, travel blogs, and online forums. Informants were selected purposively based on their involvement in university, business, government, community, and tourism ecosystems. The data were analyzed thematically through transcription, reduction, coding, categorization, triangulation, and interpretation. The findings show that university town competitiveness is shaped by academic resources, student and visitor mobility, supporting industries, collaborative strategies, government policies, and digital transformation opportunities. Campus experiences also generate digital narratives that develop into electronic word of mouth, shape the tourist gaze, strengthen community experience, and build destination branding. This study proposes the Integrated University Town Framework for Sustainable Tourism Development, which positions universities as catalysts for knowledge-based, competitive, inclusive, authentic, and sustainable destinations with long-term socioeconomic value.

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