Development strategies for rural-based tourism in supporting sustainable tourism: A comparative study of Indonesia and Malaysia

Enok Maryani, Rosniza Aznie Che Rose, Sumarmi Sumarmi, Shine Pintor, Riko Arrasyid, Bagja Waluya

Abstract


Rural tourism contributes to community resilience, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship, yet faces persistent sustainability challenges. In Indonesia and Malaysia, rural tourism has emerged as an alternative to urban-centered development, but many destinations struggle to balance economic gains with cultural and ecological sustainability. This study aims to examine the dynamics of rural tourism development in selected sites across both countries by applying Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model and the Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) framework. Drawing upon qualitative fieldwork, comparative case studies, and spatial-temporal analysis, the research explores how tourism initiatives evolve, how communities adapt, and the extent to which tourism fosters inclusive and sustainable development. The study is expected to produce a conceptual model that integrates TALC with SRD, providing a nuanced understanding of tourism growth stages and their socio-environmental implications. Addressing the research gap in cross-country comparative analysis of rural tourism, the findings will offer theoretical and practical insights into designing strategies that enhance sustainability while respecting cultural and ecological contexts. The implications extend to policymakers, local communities, and tourism stakeholders in advancing rural tourism as a catalyst for equitable development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Keywords: Comparative study, Indonesia, Malaysia, rural based tourism, social entrepreneurship, sustainable rural development


Keywords


Comparative study, Indonesia, Malaysia, rural based tourism, social entrepreneurship, sustainable rural development

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References


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