Over-development in rural tourism: Tourism impact, local community satisfaction and dissatisfaction

Abstract

Purpose of the study
This study explores local community satisfaction in relation to tourism development and its impacts on the
community, particularly economic, social, cultural and environmental.
Methodology
This study was conducted in the Cameron Highlands. Interviews were conducted with five Orang Asli
employees of the selected tourism sites; the data from these in-depth, semi-structured interviews was
transcribed using ATLAS.ti and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Main findings
The community members perceived social, cultural and economic impacts of tourism development
positively. Modernization is recognized among the community members. However, the environmental
negative impact such as crowded public place has distrupted their daily life.
Social implications
New perspectives on long-term tourism development for selected places are promoted by this study,
which helps the development of indigenous peoples, particularly in Malaysia. Several additional issues
need to be addressed by the authorities in designing and administering tourism sites, notably in reference
to community acceptability and involvement, as well as the desire for benefits to both local communities
and the tourism sites themselves. '
Originality/Novelty of the study
This study supports the results reported in prior studies suggesting that a more active involvement is more
effective in planning and managing tourism development. Therefore, it is crucial for the government
related agencies and businesses to respond strategically to local communities’ input to ensure tourism
sustainability.