There is little consensus on the definition for rural tourism. Researchers from different countries have developed their own definitions based on their unique experiences or contexts. In Malaysia, the current definition for rural tourism is rather vague, narrow and focuses on homestay programmes in rural areas. As rural tourism is an important component of the tourism industry in Malaysia, there is a need to redefine what rural tourism is, so that it encompasses the multiple dimensions and complexities. Hence, this paper proposes to redefine rural tourism in Malaysia. The objective was achieved through a content analysis of the different definitions used in selected developed and developing economies that were available in the published literature. With the clear understanding of what rural tourism should ideally encompass, the findings from the study can be used to guide the Malaysian Government in re-positioning rural tourism as a key niche industry and boost the tourism industry higher up the value chain.

Purpose – This study aims to examine the direct influence of perceived destination quality on tourists’ behavioural intentions and the indirect effect through satisfaction, in the context of rural tourism destinations in Malaysia. It also aims to investigate how tourists’ socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. previous visits, tourist type, etc.) affected their perceptions on destination quality, satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Design/methodology/approach – Using survey methodology, 334 self-administered questionnaires were distributed by enumerators and completed by tourists at rural Malaysian tourism destinations. The questionnaires contained items on dimensions of interest and socio-demographic characteristics. Findings – A total of eight primary attributes namely, amenities, accessibility and logistics, core tourism experience, hygiene, information, security, value for money and hospitality contributed towards forming the construct, destination quality. Perceived destination quality signific...

The future of the tourism industry is dependent on local communities’ ability to develop and sustain tourism developments, especially in sensitive rural areas. But there is limited research on this topic to guide tourism authorities and governments. In particular, few studies have studied sustainable rural tourism development from the perspective of the local communities. Therefore, this study examines local communities’ views on their capability to achieve sustainable rural tourism development in selected rural areas in Kuching, Sarawak. Questionnaires were distributed to the local communities residing at three rural tourism destinations in Kuching, Sarawak. Interestingly, the results indicated that local communities’ self-efficacy has a positive relationship with social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability. Hence, this study offers theoretical and practical contributions to sustainable rural tourism development literature and the tourism industry.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the long-term viability of community-based tourism (CBT) as a development tool in rural tourism, and how the best practice from the Asia Pacific region can be used to strategize the nine-stage plan to develop and sustain it in the long term. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is formulated using a case study approach based on the lessons learned and the best practices in ten member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, namely, Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Findings – Based on the analyses of the ten case studies, the paper recommends nine steps for developing and sustaining CBT. These nine steps are divided into two sections – developing CBT and sustaining CBT. The first four steps relate to starting and developing CBT initiatives, which are useful for projects and sites that are embarking on CBT. The subsequent five ...

Tourism is recognized as a major growth engine for socio-economic development and poverty alleviation especially in rural destinations. Nonetheless, tourism has negative impact on these rural destinations. As a result, local communities’ attitudes and perceptions toward tourism development are one of the important indicators for sustainable tourism development (Choi & Sirakaya, 2006). Besides, people's belief about their ability to influence the events is important in order to influence the outcomes (Bandura, 1994). Thus, this study attempts to examine the relationship between local communities’ involvement, relationship quality and sustainable rural tourism with self-efficacy as a moderator in the context of tourism industry in Sarawak. The findings of this study will demonstrate a preliminary conceptual framework on local communities’ involvement, relationship quality and sustainable rural tourism and how self-efficacy moderate the relationship between local communities’ involvement, relationship quality and sustainable rural tourism in Sarawak

Purpose – The main aim of this paper is to review the contribution made by this theme issue in responding to the strategic question: “How do we develop more sustainable and responsible rural tourism by benchmarking innovations and new practices in Asia?” Design/methodology/approach – A content analysis of the papers was undertaken to learn from best practices within and outside Asia. Structured questions were used to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point and the nature of the contribution made by the writing team. Findings – This summary highlights the most significant outcomes in terms of the contributions to knowledge and/or professional practice, and also the implications for management action and applied research arising from the review of best practices in Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, India, China and Chinese Taipei. Some of the innovative approaches that can be adopted by Asia f...