Local Perceptions towards Tourism Impacts Related to Homestay Programme

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify how degrees of contact derived from frequency of communication with tourists influence the local perceptions towards social impacts of tourism. This research also examines the local’s support for additional tourism development or support for restrictions on tourism development in Kampung Benuk Homestay (KBH), Kuching. Two theoretical frameworks, namely Social Exchange Theory and Model of Resident Tourism Perceptions and Attitudes were adapted in this research. A qualitative method was employed in which a semi-structured interview was conducted face-to-face with 12 respondents. Data from these interviews were analysed manually using Microsoft Word 2010.  From the findings, three categories of respondent: ‘High Contact’ (HC), ‘Medium Contact’ (MC), and ‘Low Contact’ (LC), showed significantly different perceptions towards social impacts of homestay programme. The findings indicated that the positive or negative perceptions towards social impacts influence the local’s support for additional tourism development or support for restrictions on tourism development. The HC respondents were positive towards social impacts and supported additional tourism development.  In contrast, the MC respondents perceived social impacts negatively, but agreed to support additional tourism development. The LC respondents had positive perceptions towards social impacts, but were both supportive for additional tourism development and for restrictions on tourism development. The research provides practical implications for local government and stakeholders for planning and policy in the community-based homestay programme in Sarawak. The theoretical implication highlights the need for heterogeneous respondents in the future homestay programme studies on perceptions towards social impacts of tourism.