Local Perception And Involvement In Tourism Keys To Sustainable Tourism
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Date
1996-11
Authors
Mohamed, Badaruddin
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Abstract
One of the important pillars of sustainable tourism is a balance of relationships
among its related parties -- tourists, government, tourist entrepreneurs, and local
communities. Harmonic relationships can only be achieved if each of these components
receives equal benefits and economic advantages from tourism. However, it is common
to see that only certain segments, especially tourist entrepreneurs, receive tourism's
economic benefits. To promote and to ensure sustainable tourism, local residents should
be encouraged and allowed to be involved, not only in the business of tourism, but also
in the planning and development stages of tourism in their areas .. The sustainability of
tourism in a location depends a lot on the hospilitality of its residents and their attitudes
toward tourism. This, on the other hand, depends on the residents' clear understanding
and perceptions of the industry.
These topics have been the mam focus of this dissertation. It especially
concentrates on the social and cultural sustainability which means that the development
should be compatible with the culture and values of people affected by it. This
dissertation investigates the relationship between resident perceptions and their
involvement in the tourism development. Chapter 1 discusses the background of
sustainable tourism and explains the importance of public support and involvement in
tourism and how the public can contribute to the sustainability of tourism.
Many statistical tools were used in analyzing the data collected In two main
surveys, which were the backbone of this dissertat~on. The survey methodology and the
related statistical analyses are explained briefly in Chapter 2 while the details can be found
in the following chapters. Chapter 3 focuses on the relationship between an ecotourist
location and its surrounding community based on a site observation and interviews with
staff in Malaysia National Park. The ways that residents' attitudes and perceptions
influence tourism development is the main focus of Chapter 4 and Chapter 5, based on a
survey of residents in five fishing communities on the east coast of the Malaysia
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Peninsula. Although the survey did not confirm that socioeconomic background exerted
any influence on the local attitudes and perceptions, it did find out that the levels of
education can influence the way locals perceived tourism. The surve~ also showed
interactions between local residents and tourists did not necessarily exert any influence on
the resĀ·idents' attitudes. Furthermore, it was discovered that the level of religiosity can
significantly affect perceptions.
Even though the success of tourism depends on certain local issues, in general, the
economic factor is the main determining factor. This was uncovered in two studies - the
Kuantan study discussed in Chapters 4-6, and the study in Higashi Izumo of Shimane
prefecture. In the latter, it was discovered that economic impacts brought supportive
behaviors toward additional tourism development (see Appendix I).
In Chapter 6, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a method that can help assess
the priorities of attributes, is examined. Despite the fact that the result from AHP analysis
was not conclusive, it helped suggest the relative importance of impacts perceived by a
community.
As discussed In Appendix I, the Higashi Izumo sample is divided into prodevelopment
and conservative groups. Next, the focus of Appendix II was on the
impacts that influenced the support for future tourism the most. This was accomplished
using the multiple regression analysis. In Appendix III, the lzumo population was
segmented into three clusters (welcomers, neutrals, and resenters) based on their
responses in the survey. The main purpose of the analysis was to find the most
discriminating attributes or impacts using the multiple discriminant analysis. Negative
perceptions of tourism impacts can result in negative behavior towards tourism
development. It is, therefore, important that we first identify impacts or factors
associated with positive or negative behaviors. Even though adverse environmental and
economic impacts can be equally disastrous to the local residents, many communities see
social problems to be the most troublesome. This may be due to the fact that problems
such as the spread of infectious diseases and the degradation of morality will affect the
residents' lives directly. Other problems, such as environmental degradation, will take
longer time to occur, and will affect a certain segment of the community or certain
sections of the area. Sensitive issues, such as cultural matters, are also yiewed with
importance.
Analysis of the Higashi Izumo sample showed that potent1al social problems
associated with tourism development were the main attributes that influenced a
conservative stand towards tourism. As further described in Appendix III, those who did
not welcome tourists feared that holidaymakers would affect local culture and traditions.
Thus, identifying sensitive issues can be helpful in the planning of tourism, especially in
sensitive areas (both environmentally and culturally).
Recognizing certain groups with identical characteristics is another essential step in
tourism planning. After the groups have been identified, planners can formulate specific
development strategies, approaches, concepts, and policies that suit each group's needs
and characters. After zones with specific groups and the issues at stake have been
identified, planners should incorporate the information into the development blueprints.
However, adjustment should be made if possible to include the residents' opinions.
Perceptions of tourism proved to affect residents' reception of additional tourist arrivals.
Analysis in Appendix III shows that perceived change in the local culture and traditions
was the main reason behind the different stance between 'Resenters' and 'Neutrals'
versus 'Welcomers' among the people of Higashi Izumo.
In the two study areas described in this dissertation, both communities showed
great interest in the potentials of tourism. They both believed that tourism would bring
economic benefits, but would also bring negative social impacts. However, due to overconcentration
on the benefits of tourism, many communities often neglect tourism's
adverse impacts, especially the long-term environmental and social impacts. This has led
to over-utilization of tourism resources and marketing for merely monetary gains.
This dissertation has shown the importance of residents' attitudes and perceptions
in influencing the future of tourism industry of an area. While welcoming the potentials
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economic benefits of tourism, communities in the study areas voiced their concerns about
the negative social impacts. Therefore, gaining a clear understanding of the local issues
at stake will help involve local residents in the evolution of the tourism indu~try. Oniy by
having the public's full support and participation can we achieve sustainable tourism-
Description
Keywords
Sustainable tourism is a balance of relationships , among its related parties