Travelling into prosperity – A look into inclusivity transformation processes of the Perhentian Islands

Johnsen, John, (2013). Travelling into prosperity – A look into inclusivity transformation processes of the Perhentian Islands. Lund University, Faculty of Economic History. Bachelor Thesis in Development Studies.

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ABSTRACT

The tourism industry has the potential to bring sustainable growth to regions suffering from economic hardship. However, in order for tourism to live up to this potential, it is imperative that the traditional dynamics of tourism development are challenged. Decentralized decision-making and community empowerment have proven to be powerful factors in ensuring bottom-up development in the case of the Perhentian Islands. Alternative tourism strategies such as ecotourism and volunteer tourism show much promise for ensuring that tourism activities conform to the triple bottom line, if executed and managed in a responsible manner. The primary data for this paper comes from a qualitative study using the participant observation method and semi-structured interviews, from the viewpoint of a volunteer tourist in the Perhentian Islands. Collaboration between the stakeholders in a host community can ensure the evolution of necessary institutions to minimize the potential negative aspects of tourism growth and maximize the benefits for the community.