<![CDATA[Purpose – This study examines the role of managerial competence in implementing sustainable tourism principles among coastal culinary businesses, particularly restaurants and coffee shops. Coastal tourism areas provide economic opportunities while simultaneously creating environmental responsibilities due to their direct interaction with coastal ecosystems. This study aims to analyze the implementation of managerial competence in applying sustainable tourism practices, identify factors contributing to the gap between environmental awareness and actual sustainability practices, and explore the role of managerial competence in strengthening business resilience while supporting coastal ecosystem conservation. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with restaurant and coffee shop owners, managers, employees, and selected customers, complemented by field observations, focus group discussions, and documentation. Secondary data were obtained from relevant literature and business-related documents. Data were analyzed descriptively through data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Findings/Results – The findings indicate that managerial competence has been implemented through operational planning, human resource organization, leadership, supervision, decision-making, communication, innovation and adaptation, as well as social and environmental responsibility. However, the level of sustainability implementation differs among businesses. The gap between environmental awareness and actual sustainability practices is influenced by internal, operational, and external factors, including limited understanding of sustainable tourism, short-term economic orientation, limited facilities, implementation costs, human resource constraints, consumer awareness, business competition, and limited government support. Managerial competence contributes to business resilience through adaptation, innovation, efficient resource management, environmentally responsible practices, and stakeholder collaboration. Originality/Value – This study highlights the importance of integrating sustainability principles into managerial practices and organizational standards within coastal culinary businesses. The study contributes to understanding how managerial competence can support the balance between business resilience and coastal ecosystem conservation, providing implications for business operators and stakeholders in developing sustainable tourism practices.]]>
