Study the Factors Affecting the Cost of Homestays in Kundasang, Sabah During Malaysia Government Movement Control Order (Mco)

Abstract

The tourism sector is one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic COVID-19. The status of the homestay programme will be maintained for the duration of the Movement Control Order (MCO), as announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, from 18 March 2020 to an unspecified date. According to the study, tourism is one of the worst-affected industries in Kundasang, Sabah. This study aims to identify the problems inherent in the Kundasang homestay, whether the problem is internally and externally. Next, the study was to collect the recommendations for improvement to the problems faced by the community. Qualitative research has been used as an inquiry process of understanding based on distinct methodological traditions of inquiry that explore a social or human problem. Twenty-three informants have been interviewed. According to the data collected through an interview with informants, medical essentials ranked the highest factor, and many homestay entrepreneurs hope that the government and private agencies can reduce and solve the challenges they face. After the outbreak’s pandemic, everything changed. Medical essential, labour, utility, maintenance, and miscellaneous are all concerns for homestay entrepreneurs. Several improvement suggestions presented at the end of this study will indirectly assist the tourism management body in developing the tourism sector in Sabah, primarily homestays in Kundasang.

Challenges and Usage of Social Media Marketing by Homestay Entrepreneurs in Sabah: A Conceptual Framework

“…The availability of tourists is a fundamental factor in the success of homestay businesses. Challenges in attracting tourists (Miraz et al, 2015;Tshin et al, 2022;Yassin & Ramlan, 2015) can lead to low occupancy rates and revenue. This because with tourist arrival, homestay entrepreneur cannot sustain their homestay business.…”

“…However, a website is more than just form and function; it needs to be populated with interesting content, such as write-ups and photos of tourism attractions and activities. (Tshin et al, 2022) Social media platforms are undeniably crucial in revitalizing the tourism industry in the wake of the ongoing pandemic. More specifically, social media engagement can play a pivotal role in promoting positivity and countering pandemic-induced discrimination, one of the homestay operators is creating a video about their current course of action during ongoing pandemic in Kundasang.…”

“…In conclusion, the Sabah Homestay program has experienced significant rise and fall in income and participation numbers over the years. Notably, the industry faced a major setback in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a sharp decline in income (Tshin et al, 2022). However, Sabah's homestay sector demonstrated resilience and adaptability, as evidenced by the remarkable income recovery in 2022.…”