Tourism in Bario, Sarawak, Malaysia: A Case Study of Pro-poor Community-based Tourism Integrated into Community Development

Exploring the relationship between aboriginal tourism and community development

“…He suggests this intangible bond or connection to the land is made tangible through the primary relationships of spirituality, traditions, culture and social structures within the aboriginal community (Bell, 1999a;Berry, 1988). Harris (2009), using Bell's framework for aboriginal community development to examine the relationship between ecotourism and community development in a Mik'maq community in eastern Canada, suggested that Bell's framework include an additional dimension related to stewardship. Given the intersection between community and the integral relationship to the land from which culture and traditions emerge, and heeding the suggestion of Harris (2009), a fifth dimension is added to the framework labelled community stewardship.…”

“…Harris (2009), using Bell's framework for aboriginal community development to examine the relationship between ecotourism and community development in a Mik'maq community in eastern Canada, suggested that Bell's framework include an additional dimension related to stewardship. Given the intersection between community and the integral relationship to the land from which culture and traditions emerge, and heeding the suggestion of Harris (2009), a fifth dimension is added to the framework labelled community stewardship. Therefore, the five focal points from which to explore the breadth of community development benefits derived from aboriginal tourism development are community empowerment, community wellness, community economic development, community learning and community stewardship.…”

“…Tourism development brings support for building social and community activities through local community groups, ceremonies and projects (David, 2009;Harris, 2009;Li, 2006;Mitchell, & Eagles, 2001;Mvula, 2001;Nepal, 2007;Nyamweru & Kimaru, 2008). Whereas traditional ceremonies may be held for the enjoyment of visitors, the involvement and opportunity for community members to organize and perform becomes another avenue for the development and support of relationships by creating meaningful opportunities to learn important traditional practices.…”

“…They include an improved standard of living and poverty reduction in addition to improved community infrastructure (Cave, Ryan, & Panakera, 2007;David, 2009;Harris, 2009;Mvula, 2001;Nyamweru & Kimaru, 2008). For example, the building of trail systems and recreation facilities for visitors has the additional benefit of providing improved leisure and recreation opportunities for residents (Colton & Harris, 2007;Vodden, 2002).…”

“…Specifically, long-term strategic plans have been developed; strong informal decision-making processes have been utilized (Colton & Harris, 2007;David, 2009); a number of locally based governing agencies, organizations and institutions/associations have been developed (Harris, 2009;Mvula, 2001), and accessed monetary means through grants and are fully accountable for expenditures. The Lennox Island Ecotourism Strategy developed by the Lennox Island First Nation in Prince Edward Island, Canada, was a 10-year strategy that specifically outlined decisionmaking processes including frameworks for transparency that have limited the potential for conflict among community members in Lennox Island.…”