This research outlines the selection, registration, operation and management of formal homestays under the purview of Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia. Using a case study of Kelantan, the research further elaborates on the inception of such concept in Malaysia, the process and procedures for establishment of homestay operation as well as the maintenance and upholding qualities of the current operational homestays. One of the largest contributing sectors to the Gross National Product in 2015, tourism offers great and various activities to tourists domestic and international alike. One such activities is agrotourism that provide opportunities for the visitors to stay and experience the life of an agriculture community in rural areas of Malaysia. Kelantan being one of the most remote areas in the Peninsula is still rich with natural resources and agricultural produce has the advantage of showcasing the unique attractions to various tourists’ types, especially those who were willing to stay overnight or more to properly enjoy and learn about realities of daily life of these selected communities. A gap in the literature identified that research on how these communities were selected to offer such activities while maintaining their identities are scantily available. Hence, this research aims at explaining the processes of registering of homestays and rooms for tourists stay and identifying improvement areas which can be targeted to increase the income receipts from this specialised yet diversified sector.
Tourism routes connect the city to the rural areas by linking a variety of activities and attractions. Tourism activities stimulate entrepreneurial opportunities through the development of ancillary products and services. The planning of resources and attractions along the route can be integrated to support the development of a region, conservation and rejuvenation of cultural and natural resources. An attractive route can attract special interest tourists whose travel motivation is to experience the rural environment. This paper examined the landscape characters found along the rural route of Kuala Selangor to Sabak Bernam in Selangor, Malaysia. Based on 250 survey questionnaires among locals and tourists, this study evaluated the importance of nine criteria of the rural tourism route. The findings suggested that the intangible criteria are pertinent to support the tangible criteria. This paper concludes by recommending ways to improve the landscape characters of the route to enrich the tourist experience.
Agro-tourism is more than just a tourist product. It is a journey to a new sensation or positive behavior concerning the environment, the community and culture. It also one of the diversified sub-sectors that provide opportunities and choices for the rural community, commonly associated with agricultural activities to enhance and maintain their economic sustainability. This research focuses on the quantification of tourism sector income specifically related to agricultural destinations, activities, and products, evaluated in the selected communities that offer tourists visits and stays within the former’s villages or settlements. Income derived from the activities, destinations, and products are to be reported and assessed against initial investment and annual operating costs. This is an area mostly void of literature, especially those within the Malaysian contexts. The research aims at exploring the vitality and robustness of agro-tourism based homestay activities in Terengganu. Three objectives have been developed based on the gaps in existing literature. Firstly, the research is to identify offerings of homestay destinations, activities, and products relevant to agriculture sector within the rural communities of Terengganu. Secondly, the research is to assess the income received from these activities based on communal receipts as well as individually reported revenues. Finally, the research is to recommend strategic and focused areas of improvement to increase and sustain the competitiveness of agro-tourism sector delivered through homestays operation. The methods used in this paper were the semi-structured interview and focus group discussion. 76 respondents participated in the discussion.
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