Integration of the 4A Components in Supporting the Sustainability of the Kete’ Kesu Cultural Tourism Destination, North Toraja

Abstract

Cultural tourism destinations must balance tourism use with the protection of customary values. This study analyses the condition and integration of the 4A components—attractions, accessibility, amenities, and ancillary services—at the Kete’ Kesu’ cultural tourism destination in North Toraja Regency, and discusses their implications for destination sustainability. A descriptive-evaluative qualitative case study was applied, using structured non-participant observation, visual documentation, and literature review. Observations were guided by an indicator sheet synthesised from the 4A framework and sustainability principles for cultural destinations. Findings were classified by evidence level (directly documented, identified but unverified, not yet recorded), and relationships among components were examined through a six-pair matrix. Attractions were the best-documented component; internal accessibility consisted of a paved pedestrian route with vehicle limits posted by the managing foundation; documented amenities were mainly souvenir kiosks and food vendors near the Tongkonan rows; and documented ancillary services comprised a bilingual information board identifying the managing body. Of the six component pairs, three appeared (partly) aligned, one showed potential tension with cultural values (attractions–amenities), and two could not yet be assessed. Integration of the 4A at Kete’ Kesu’ therefore appears to rest on spatial arrangement and institutional presence, while facility adequacy, service quality, and cultural interpretation require verification through interviews and visitor data. The article offers a sustainability-oriented 4A indicator framework, an evidence-level classification, and a research agenda for managers and researchers.