HOMESTAY PROGRAMME – A TOOL FOR RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: CASE OF KAMPUNG RAGA HOMESTAY, YAN KEDAH

Abstract

The efforts to introduce tourism as a development tool for rural areas in Malaysia is reflected in the National Rural Tourism Master Plan 2001 (NRTMP). The main objective of NRTMP is to plan and guide the rural tourism development in the country. It emphasized on, among others, a homestay programme as the tool in giving more opportunities for the communities in rural areas to create new or additional income and employment. Homestay programmes offer visitors a unique experience that combines basic needs of food and accommodation with the host’s culture. Ideally, homestay programmes should practice a wise use of the cultural and natural heritage resources of the rural area. The paper discusses the concept and evolution of the Malaysian Homestay Programme. It then relates the discussion in reference to the Kampung Raga Homestay in Yan Kedah. Kampong Raga Homestay is one of the oldest homestays in the state. Findings revealed that the evolution of homestay programmes in Malaysia is much reflected by what has happened and is happening in Kampung Raga homestay. Several issues are identified.