PEMERKASAAN KOMUNITI MELALUI PERSATUAN PELANCONGAN DI MALAYSIA: KE ARAH KELESTARIAN SEKTOR PELANCONGAN WARISAN

(Community Empowerment Through Tourism Association In Malaysia :Towards The Sustainability Of The Heritage Tourism Sector)

Abstract

ABSTRAK

Kajian ini meneliti sejauh mana persatuan pelancongan berupaya mengangkat martabat dan memperkasakan komuniti yang tinggal berhampiran tapak warisan arkeologi, dengan tumpuan diberikan kepada NGO dan komuniti pelancongan di Lembah Bujang, Kedah. Melalui pendekatan kajian kes kualitatif, penyelidikan ini menelusuri bagaimana Persatuan AncKed Sungai Batu terlibat dalam pengurusan pelancongan warisan dan apakah kesannya terhadap komuniti setempat. Data lapangan diperoleh melalui pemerhatian etnografi serta aktiviti ikut serta yang dijalankan secara langsung di lapangan, manakala data dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik secara induktif. Secara keseluruhannya, kajian ini mendapati bahawa persatuan pelancongan memainkan peranan yang tidak boleh dipandang ringan sama ada dalam membina kapasiti komuniti, menyelaraskan pelbagai pihak berkepentingan, mahupun membangunkan produk pelancongan warisan yang beridentiti. Namun begitu, masih terdapat jurang yang nyata iaitu komuniti tempatan masih kurang dilibatkan dalam proses membuat keputusan, kemahiran keusahawanan masih terbatas dan infrastruktur sokongan belum mencukupi. Justeru, kajian ini mengemukakan cadangan model tadbir urus penyertaan yang menghubungkan persatuan pelancongan, pihak berkuasa tempatan dan komuniti secara bersepadu demi kelestarian pembangunan pelancongan warisan. Antara implikasi praktikal yang dicadangkan ialah perlunya rangka kerja dasar yang lebih inklusif serta program pembangunan kapasiti yang lebih menyeluruh dan berterusan.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the extent to which tourism associations are able to elevate the status and empower communities living near archaeological heritage sites, with a focus on NGOs and tourism communities in Lembah Bujang, Kedah. Using a qualitative case study approach, this research explores how the Sungai Batu AncKed Association is involved in heritage tourism management and what its impact is on the local community. Field data was obtained through ethnographic observations and participatory activities conducted directly in the field, while the data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Overall, this study found that tourism associations play a role that cannot be underestimated either in building community capacity, coordinating various stakeholders, or developing heritage tourism products with identity. However, there are still significant gaps, namely that local communities are still poorly involved in the decision-making process, entrepreneurial skills are still limited and supporting infrastructure is not yet sufficient. Therefore, this study proposes a participatory governance model that connects tourism associations, local authorities and communities in an integrated manner for the sustainability of heritage tourism development. Among the proposed practical implications are the need for a more inclusive policy framework and a more comprehensive and continuous capacity building program.