Tourism growth and entrepreneurship: Empirical analysis of development of rural highlands

Jaafar, Mastura and Rasoolimanesh, Mostafa S. and Tuan Lonik, Ku Azam (2015) Tourism growth and entrepreneurship: Empirical analysis of development of rural highlands. Tourism Management Perspectives, 14.

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Abstract

We investigated small tourism-related businesses in Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, to identify their characteristics and constraints. Awarded World Heritage Site status in 2000, Kinabalu National Park provides a wealth of economic opportunities to adjacent rural communities. Quantitative data from a sample of 145 tourism-related small business entrepreneurs from these communities revealed that most of these entrepreneurs were female, middle-aged or older, and poorly educated. Most used their own savings to establish and maintain their businesses, sustaining operations and staffing levels throughout the year despite seasonal slumps in tourist numbers, marginal profits, and a lack of tourism-specific knowledge and skills. Respondents received virtually no financial support or training from government sources and there were few incentives for the local community to participate in tourism-related activities. Government and related organizations should aim to reduce such constraints on the operations of small businesses to ensuremore sustainable tourismdevelopment in KinabaluNational Park.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: T Technology > TH Building construction > TH1-9745 Building construction
Divisions: Pusat Pengajian Perumahan, Bangunan & Perancangan (School of Housing, Building & Planning) > Article
Zoom Profil Pakar (Expert Profile) > Mastura Jaafar @ Mustapha (Housing, Building & Planning)
Depositing User: Administrator Automasi
Date Deposited: 22 Jul 2016 06:07
Last Modified: 03 Jan 2018 11:11
URI: http://eprints.usm.my/id/eprint/30205

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