Transforming Heritage and Spirituality into Sustainable Tourism Experiences

Abstract

This study examined how heritage and spirituality can be transformed into sustainable tourism experiences in Saung Eling Tourism Village, Bogor, through a community-based approach. A qualitative design was employed using field observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and SWOT analysis. Findings showed that Saung Eling possesses strong Sundanese cultural authenticity, spiritual-historical sites, a well-preserved natural setting, active community participation, and growing potential for wellness and experiential tourism. Key constraints included limited infrastructure, human-resource capacity, digital promotion, storytelling, heritage interpretation, and structured destination management. The SWOT analysis generated strategies centered on integrated spiritual-heritage packages, community capacity building, digital branding, cultural preservation, visitor management, and risk mitigation. The study concluded that destination competitiveness depends not only on local assets and participation, but also on the capacity to convert these resources into structured, market-oriented, and sustainable visitor experiences.