Contributions of community-based tourism to the socio-economic well-being of local communities: the case of Pulau Redang Island, Malaysia

Abstract

This research discusses the role of local stakeholder participation in developing sustainable community-based tourism (CBT) in line with Arnstein''s (1969) ladder of citizen participation. A survey collected in Pulau Redang, Kuala Terengganu from carefully recruited communitybased tourism stakeholders is discussed to further solidify the theoretical underpinnings of stakeholder participation and community-based tourism nexus. Majority of the research participants indicated that the likelihood of them being included in the decision-making process shows improvement. In connection to this, types of community participation, strengths, motivations, and barriers to participation in community-based tourism development endeavours are highlighted. Research outcomes revealed two major influential factors for the existence of better community participation namely the presence of strong (CBT) organizations and committed leadership with growing support. The study concludes by providing with suggestions that further improve community-based tourism stakeholder participation in developing sustainable tourism from the perspective of remote Island destination.