The “Pearl of the Orient” as a dark tourism destination in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geraldine Anne Tan ◽  
Sonia Lim
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Nation Building ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Dark Tourism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Studies ◽  
Geographical Scope

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of Penang in being a dark tourism destination in Malaysia with the influence of urban tourism development. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted to serve as a foundation by highlighting the number of dark tourism studies conducted in Southeast Asia (SEA). Findings The results projected a total of 23 dark tourism studies conducted within the SEA region. These papers revolve around the following key themes that were conducted in these countries: tourists’ behaviour (motivation, satisfaction and experience), nation building and narratives, dark tourism development (management, marketing and implications), theoretical underpinnings and the role of dark tourism. Amongst these, it was found that tourists’ behaviour is the most studied with eight papers while the least is on nation building and theoretical underpinnings of dark tourism with three papers each. Research limitations/implications The lack of dark tourism studies in SEA results in insufficient existing literature which justifies the need of exploring Penang as a potential dark tourism destination. Originality/value This paper builds on prior dark tourism studies that are significantly related to urban tourism but takes a step further by exploring the Asian settings. Specifically, into Malaysia which is more than just an SEA country, but a multicultural one which is rich and diverse with its culture and heritage that leads to many unique tourists’ destinations. This paper extends the geographical scope of the dark tourism literature as it focuses on Penang in Malaysia.

Building from scratch? An “inner connectivity” framework for soft urban tourism development

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 248-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Pasquinelli
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Development ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Framework ◽  
City Tourism ◽  
Tourism Studies ◽  
Urban Contexts ◽  
Urban Character ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to define a framework for urban tourism development, providing a rationale for tourism planners pursuing a competitive, sustainable and inclusive tourism destination model for urban settings. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework is proposed, discussed and exemplified in a specific geographical context. Findings The soft urban tourism development framework adopts a place-based approach to tourism destination building and suggests an integration method grounded in tourism urbanicity. Research limitations/implications The proposed tourism development model is based on theoretical premises. Empirical research should test the potential and pitfalls of this approach. Practical implications The proposed framework is a cognitive tool for strategy making in those cities that either need to radically re-envision city tourism or are attempting to build an urban tourism destination from scratch. Originality/value The paper contributes to the urban agenda in tourism studies. It proposes a framework emphasising the urban character of tourism and exploiting the multifunctionality of urban contexts for competitive niche tourism development.

The prospects for dark (troubles) tourism in Belfast, NI

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Ironside ◽  
Kieran James
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Former Yugoslavia ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Tour Guide ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Tourism Studies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prospects of Belfast as a Tourism City with a special focus on dark (troubles) tourism. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses two surveys – one for overseas-based potential tourists and one for Northern Ireland residents; one focus group with potential tourists; and three interviews, one with a Belfast MP and two with tour-guide operators, one from each side of the Northern Ireland divide. This paper is less theoretical than exploratory. Findings Generally, there is strong and widespread support for the concept of troubles tourism. Stakeholders must ensure that troubles tourism is intelligently and sensitively handled and builds up communities. Originality/value This is a relatively new and under-researched area. Belfast has been rarely looked at in urban-tourism studies. Findings have applicability for other post-conflict and divided countries, such as the countries of the former Yugoslavia.

Residents risk perception of P2P vacation accommodation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Camprubí ◽  
Joan B. Garau-Vadell
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Studies ◽  
New Form ◽  
Negative Impacts

Purpose Peer-to-peer (P2P) vacation accommodation has recently emerged as a disruptive new form of tourism development. Its potential negative impacts (economic, socio-cultural and environmental) may make residents feel at risk. Therefore, this paper aims to explore residents’ risk perceptions related to the growth of P2P vacation accommodation. Design/methodology/approach The empirical study was conducted in Mallorca (Spain) among 529 residents and a cluster analysis was carried out. Findings Results indicate clearly differentiated sociodemographic and attitudinal profiles, which can be classified into four tourist types. The conclusions of the paper suggest implications for tourist managers. Originality/value In the field of tourism studies, risk perception has been explored from the perspective of both tourists and hosts. To date, however, residents’ perception of risk has received little attention. Given the importance of resident-tourist interaction in fostering successful destinations this paper focusing on this arena.

Different social representations of the same belief in urban tourism cities in Southeast Asia and China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaoyu Chen ◽  
Jingjing Yang
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
City Planning ◽  
Social Representations ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Ritual Practices

Purpose This study aims to identify the role of this intangible cultural heritage (ICH) domain (i.e. social practices, rituals and festive events) in social representations in cross nations using the case of Mazu belief. This study also intends to compare the different social representations of the same religious belief among the regions and implies how ICH facilitates regional connections and its potential for urban tourism development. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a mix of qualitative approaches, such as desktop research, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and participant observations. These approaches can supplement one another in discovering the cultural context of the Mazu belief and the perceived meanings of its ritual practices. Findings Mazu ritual practices in the four identified cities have different social representations, as explicitly expressed from the informants on different forms of celebration. Despite the differences, Mazu belief is representative in placemaking and for regional connections. Not all four cities agree on the current status as embedded in tourism development. However, the key informants show a welcoming manner to the outsiders in participating and experiencing their practices. Research limitations/implications The research context of Mazu belief and customs can be extended to more urban cities, which practice this culture. Practical implications Different countries and regions that share the same belief can understand distinct social representations from one another. Practical collaborations can be expanded for cultural exchanges, especially the exploration of the role of religion played in boosting urban tourism development. Social implications Mazu belief and customs is a unique cultural asset in enhancing the social representations of Chinese expatriates overseas. Its cultural practices successfully enhance the cultural exchange and social cohesion among religious communities locally and internationally. Originality/value Using a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-inscribed ICH item with a large audience worldwide, this study supplements the theory of social representations in exploring the intangible cultural assets and highlights the role of ICH in urban tourism and regional and city planning.

The development of Malaysian higher education

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang-Da Wan ◽  
Morshidi Sirat
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Nation Building ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Universities in Malaysia, particular public universities, have been tasked not only with the traditional focus on the pursuit of knowledge, but also the important role of nation-building. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nation-building agenda in the development of Malaysian higher education in the globalisation era. Design/methodology/approach Grounded within the literature of nation-building and globalisation and neoliberalism, the approach of this paper examines the development of higher education in Malaysia across time. Findings Two particular aspects in the Malaysian higher education that have seen tension and changes emerging from the interaction between globalisation and nation-building are: the medium of instruction and hybridisation in universities. Originality/value The paper illustrates the ways in which universities have adapted in terms of the medium of instruction between the Malay language and English, as well as hybridisation that has taken place as a result of globalisation on the local vision, structure and characteristics of Malaysian universities.

scholarly journals Dark tourism sites: visualization, evidence and visitation

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. John Lennon
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Film Studies ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Dark Tourism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Key Sites ◽  
Tourist Behaviour

Purpose This paper aims to consider dark tourism sites and their pivotal role as evidence of atrocity and evil. How they are interpreted and the role of visual imagery, most particularly photography, are considered from the perspective of the locations as heritage and learning sites. The complex arguments in relation to conservation and maintenance are juxtaposed with the behaviour of visitors in recording and uploading imagery of such material. This phenomenon allows us to consider the enormity of witnessing such events and viewing such sites as part of contemporary tourist behaviour. Design/methodology/approach The approach utilizes contemporary literature from tourism, sociology and film studies and uses secondary sources to highlight key sites that illustrate discursive elements of the paper. Findings This appeal and appetite for photographic and filmic record by visitors to such dark sites illustrates not only an inherent fascination but also a series of dark and recurring themes. However, it is also notable that in some locations, ideological selectivity in development is present and evidence, record and history are challenged. The cases of Cambodia and Russia and elements of their tragic pasts are used to illustrate why key heritage sites are developed as attractions or are ignored as evidential sites. For these reasons, this area still merits evaluation and discussion in tourism. Originality/value The area of dark tourism has been the focus of researchers for over a decade. However, the areas of selectivity in development, ideological impact on content and the issues related to visualization have not as yet been fully explored. This paper begins to explore issues related to visualization and evidence and how it related to these dark tourism sites.

scholarly journals Exploring “gothic tourism”: a new form of urban tourism?

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 224-236
Author(s):  
Duncan Light ◽  
Steven Richards ◽  
Preslava Ivanova
Keyword(s):  
Special Interest ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
English Literature ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Dark Tourism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Literary Tourism ◽  
The World ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Tourism Attractions

Purpose The concept of “Gothic tourism” has recently been proposed within the discipline of English Literature. Such tourism is claimed to be a distinct form of special interest tourism grounded in familiarity with the Gothic, distinctive aesthetics, and experiences of frights and scares. It is increasingly common in towns and cities around the world. This paper aims to examine and critique the concept of Gothic tourism, and consider its similarities with existing forms of urban tourism. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper and no empirical data are presented. Findings Gothic tourism is not as clearly differentiated from other forms of tourism as has been claimed. In particular, Gothic tourism can be conceptualised as a particular form of “lighter” dark tourism, but it can also be considered as a form of literary tourism. A conceptual model is presented which places Gothic tourism at the nexus of dark and literary tourism. Research limitations/implications This study is a conceptual exploration of Gothic tourism. Further empirical research is required to test the ideas presented in this paper at established Gothic tourism attractions. Originality/value This study examines the recently proposed (but little-researched) concept of Gothic tourism and considers its relationships with other forms of special interest tourism. It also illustrates the broader issue of how typologies of special interest tourism do not necessarily correspond with the motives and experiences of tourists themselves, or of the providers of tourist experiences.

scholarly journals Urban tourism as a bone of contention: four explanatory hypotheses and a caveat

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Novy
Keyword(s):  
Urban Space ◽  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Phenomenon ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Geographical Spread

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to respond to recent debates surrounding the observable proliferation and intensification of controversies and disputes surrounding urban tourism. It argues that coming to terms with conflicts about and around tourism in cities represents an important frontier for research and puts forth some observations about its causes and characteristics, the debates they have sparked and the scholarly engagement with them to date. Design/methodology/approach Literature from international sources was reviewed to identify key themes relating to conflicts about and around tourism. Findings The paper outlines important aspects to consider when studying conflicts about and around tourism in cities, including, first, the role of urban tourism’s massive and often rapid growth; second, the fact that backlashes in cities are often less directed against tourism in its entirety than against particular kinds of tourism (or tourists); third, the need to look at contestations surrounding urban tourism not in isolation from, but in firm connection to the more general rise of struggles and protests in and about urban space unfolding in cities worldwide; fourth, the extent to which contestations are linked to the ongoing, and, it seems, accelerating, geographical spread of tourism; and, finally, the need to critically engage with the notion of tourism itself and move beyond essentialising narratives that portray tourism as an altogether distinct, easily separable social phenomenon. Originality/value The paper brings together a scattered, although substantive, literature in and around tourism-related conflicts in order to provide points of orientation and inspiration for future research.

Urban tourism: a systems approach – state of the art

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 679-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leticia Elizabeth Romero-García ◽  
Norman Aguilar-Gallegos ◽  
Oswaldo Morales-Matamoros ◽  
Isaías Badillo-Piña ◽  
Ricardo Tejeida-Padilla
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Common Interest ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Studies

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of the urban tourism literature that uses the systems approach to outline its research trajectory and detect its trends. Urban tourism is a complex phenomenon whose complexity increases at the very moment it interacts with complex environments. To deal with this kind of issues, urban tourism-related authors have used different approaches, with the systems approach being one of the best alternatives for its understanding and study.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted using two sets of keywords related to urban tourism and systems approach. Scopus, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases were used for the peer-reviewed literature search. After filtering processes were applied, 29 publications were retained for the analysis.FindingsThis paper provides a significant overview of the existing publications regarding this topic. A theme of common interest and trends for future investigations were detected. Based on the findings, future works to be developed with the use of the systems approach, and its tools are proposed.Originality/valueThis review gives promising evidence on that the use of the systems approach for future urban tourism studies is a viable alternative to the application of other dominant approaches, to manage the complexity, diversity and dynamism of the urban tourism and of its environment, which is nowadays addressed as Smart. Then, the paper seeks to foster the use of systems approach and its systemic tools for the understanding and study of urban tourism as a complex system.

Culture based development: empirical evidence from Shilpgram Fair, Rajasthan

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shweta Tiwari
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Financial Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Rural Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Association

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of culture in economic growth in areas where the Shilpgram fair is facilitated in Rajasthan. Design/methodology/approach – The data are acquired through primary and secondary data with individual meetings, interviews and questionnaires. Findings – The study uncovered that the Shilpgram fair is expanding mindfulness and financial development of rural life and crafts particularly for younger people. Originality/value – This study presents recognition of the financial effects of tourism on neighbouring group association in tourism development.

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