Degree of contact and local perceptions of tourism impacts: A case study of homestay programme in Sarawak

• Main Authors: Sita, Sharon Esther Donny, Mohd Nor, Nor Ashikin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd. 2015
• Subjects: GV Recreation Leisure
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/16828/1/11.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/16828/; http://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.11.119
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

This paper examines the relationship of the different degrees of contact between the locals and the tourists which affect the locals’ perceptions of the tourism impacts, and analyses how these perceptions explain their support for additional tourism development or restrictions at Kampung Benuk (KB) homestay. A semi-structured interview based on snowball sampling was conducted and the data were analysed manually.Results revealed that different degrees of contact affect the locals’ perceptions of the tourism impacts and the support for tourism development.The findings provided strategies for the government and other tourism agencies to increase the benefits of the homestay programme.