Economic Impact and Effectiveness Analysis of Tourism-Based Carbon Offset Programs: A Case Study in West Kalimantan

Abstract Book of the 10th International Conference on Applied Research in Business, Management and Economics

Year: 2026

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Economic Impact and Effectiveness Analysis of Tourism-Based Carbon Offset Programs: A Case Study in West Kalimantan

Chandra Murti Dewi Widowati Hermajiwandini, Nemoto Masatsugu, Dio Bimo Saputro

ABSTRACT:

Climate change represents an urgent global challenge driven by the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. The tourism and hospitality sectors generate a significant carbon footprint, necessitating practical solutions through Carbon Offset Programs (COP). This research formulates a methodological adaptation of the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) as a credible emission calculation standard to bridge hotels with conservation projects in West Kalimantan.
The urgency of this study lies in the formulation of COP as a market instrument to internalize external environmental costs at the regional level. The primary objective is to analyse the effectiveness of implementing HCMI standards from an economic perspective, measuring the potential impact of market incentives on emission efficiency investments, and estimating the potential creation of a “Green Premium.” The methodology employs a mixed-methods approach with an exploratory sequential design. The quantitative phase involves HCMI-based carbon accounting modelling using hotel operational activity data to establish an econometric emission baseline. The qualitative phase involves digital institutional economic analysis to evaluate potential reductions in transaction costs and market behaviour through emission data standardization. Concept validation is conducted via triangulation techniques and a preliminary Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA).
The findings are expected to provide a strategic framework for standardized hospitality carbon reporting and offer policy recommendations for regional governments. This research focuses on strengthening theoretical and conceptual frameworks to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2, ultimately contributing to global climate mitigation efforts and enhancing the competitiveness of the green economy in emerging regional markets.

Keywords: HCMI, Carbon Offset, Green Economy, Sustainable Hospitality, West Kalimantan