Challenges for Community Based Rural Tourism Continuity and Resilience in Disaster Prone Area: The Case of Mesilou, Sabah

Abstract

There is no doubt that the tourism sector has become one of the major contributors to development and considered as agent of change for many parts of the world. The strengths of tourism (or community based rural tourism, CBRT in this context) are described in various forms; as a tool in economic and physical development and as means to enhance the social and human capital development and conservation of natural environment. In rural areas especially in developing countries, tourism development had been eagerly embraced as a panacea for revitalising the rural economy, hence many government agencies, particularly tourism-related bodies, have also invested heavily to promote more sustainable forms of community-based tourism in rural areas. Under normal situation i.e. where CBRT is operated outside disaster prone areas or with notion of less considerations on reducing disaster risk in operating a tourism business, CBRT might flourish in rural areas, and in return would be able to secure local job creation, stable income generation, curbing outmigration among youths and workers, protecting natural resources and local culture, etc. As for CBRT programmes which are operating in disaster-prone areas, their operators might not share similar opinions as they have to cope with different issues and challenges, which in this context, challenges in generating sufficient income for sustaining their operation and also in reducing disaster risk and potential losses to their business. This paper will discuss possible challenges in sustaining CBRT programmes in disaster-prone areas based on the findings from data analysis of a case study of homestay operators in Mesilou Village in Sabah, Malaysia, particularly after the 2015 earthquake.

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“…, (Mastura, Kalsom, Tangit, & Mohd, 2013), (Xin & Chan, 2014), (Kinabalu, 2016), (Yaacob, Abd Manaf, & Ash'aari, 2019), & (Kamarudin, Wahid, & Chong, 2020)…”

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“…The Agro-Tourism Farmstay in Sabah showcases an approach to managing resorts by offering tourists an immersive experience in traditional farming practices. However, the resort encounters challenges that require navigation to ensure its long-term success and sustainability [25]. A major hurdle faced by the Agro-Tourism Farmstay is retaining personnel to handle day-to-day operations [26].…”

“…In order to address this issue, the resort management has implemented strategies focused on investing in the growth of the workforce. By providing training and skill development opportunities for residents from villages, the resort creates a pipeline of employees who have a vested interest in its success [25]. These training programs would not equip individuals with valuable skills, but also offer them promising prospects for career advancement within the resort's operations [1].…”

“…Furthermore, the resort management actively fosters a sense of ownership and pride among the community regarding the achievements of the resort. By involving the community in decision-making and providing employment opportunities, the Agro-Tourism Farmstay plays a role in supporting the economic well-being of the villagers [25]. This beneficial relationship ensures that the advantages of tourism are fairly distributed and the success of the resort becomes intertwined with the prosperity of the surrounding villages [2].…”

“…As tourism in Malaysia flourishes, resorts such as the Agro-Tourism Farmstay set an example for tourism showcasing how tourism can bring positive transformation to rural areas. By finding a ground between meeting the needs of tourists and preserving the environment and culture, these resorts play a vital role in fostering sustainable development in rural regions, while also sharing Malaysia's vibrant cultural legacy with the global community [25].…”