Stakeholder synergy in developing sustainable gastro-tourism port destinations: Evidence from Probolinggo City

Abstract

This study explores the development of sustainable gastro-tourism in port destinations, focusing on the synergy among various stakeholders in Probolinggo City. While Probolinggo is a strategic transit port for international cruise ships, a significant market gap exists; organized tours primarily direct passengers to external natural attractions, leaving limited economic benefits for the local city center. To address this issue, the research aims to analyze the potential of traditional culinary tourism and formulate a strategic implementation model that diversifies local tourism and ensures equitable economic distribution. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study analyzes cruise visitation data from 2020 to 2025 alongside literature synthesis. The findings indicate that time-constrained cruise passengers present a substantial target market for short, authentic urban experiences. Local traditional cuisine, such as Nasi Jagung, processed mango products, and market snacks, offers the ideal authenticity and flexibility required for these brief transit visits. Furthermore, the study proposes the "Probolinggo Food Festival" model as a concrete collaborative solution. The success of this model heavily depends on strong stakeholder synergy, integrating government-supported culinary hubs, active local SME partnerships, traditional transport integration, and strategic marketing by ground tour agents. Ultimately, fostering these collaborative networks not only fills the existing market void but also transforms the port area into a sustainable, gastronomically rich destination that directly empowers the local community.