Homestay accommodation for tourism development in Kelantan, Malaysia - Theory and Practice in Hospitality and Tourism Research - page 240

Homestay can be highlighted the rural lifestyle and
culture of local communities. It has recognized a
potential tourism product in the rural tourism
master plan in 2001 (UNDP, 2003). In Malaysia,
homestay accommodation mainly operates and
organized by the Kampung (village) people. The
homestay owners are keeping Malay culture and
activities in their accommodations. This accom-
modation provides multi ethnic life condition with
cultural experiences to tourists and economic well
beings for the local people (Liu, 2006). According
to the Malaysian Homestay Association (MHA),
students and foreign visitors from Japan, Australia
and Korea is the main client for homestay accom-
modation (Kayat, 2007). The Malaysian homestay
program differs from the other commercial home
stay in the world. Here guests are living with the
family members of homestay owner during their
stay period. The operators' involves with the
guests eating, cooking and other activities which
exchange their culture and can learn from each
other (Peterson, 2004). The homestay programs
in Malaysia get huge support from government.
The government has allocated required capital
to the homestay operator for capacity building
and empowerment. This allocation is largely pro-
vided to the lower socioeconomic groups (Din &
Mapjabil, 2010). Bhuiyan, Siwar and Mohamad
Ismail (2013) identified through a study on Ter-
engganu that homestay operations have positive
socio-economic impact on local communities. The
operators have earned a major portion of their
monthly expenses from the homestay accommoda-
tions. Furthermore, home stay is potential business
operation for the local entrepreneurs. This accom-
modation has ensured employment opportunities
and economic advancement for the local people
(Bhuiyan, Siwar & Ismail, 2006).
There are some economic and social backward-
ness situations are remaining in Kelantan rather
than other states of Malaysia. These are low
incomes, unemployment, poverty, low urbaniza-
tion, insufficient infrastructure development and
low level of investment. This state is full of natural
resources, unspools beauties, beaches, recreational
forests, waterfalls and cultural attractions. Tour-
ism activities may be developed in this state on the
basis of these attractions and natural resources.
Tourism has been an important economic tool in
this state, attracting both domestic and foreign
tourists to the state's charming natural and cultural
attractions. Most of the tourism attractions of this
state are situated in the rural and non-urban areas
(ECER Master Plan, 2007).
There are eight Kampungs (village) are involving
mainly in homestay accommodation in Kelantan.
These villages are Seterpa, Pantai Suri, Kubang
Telaga, Kemunchup, Batu Papan, Bukit Jering,

Renok Baru and Jelawang. Homestay accommo-
dation may be a potential tourism and economic
activities in Kelantan. This accommodation pro-
gram should emphasize on local custom and cul-
tural practices, to be attract the tourists as well
as to create authentic interest and commitment
among the local youth in this state. The traditional
food, local life style, fruits, cultural heritage and
local musical performances are attracting to the
guests of home stay accommodations in this state.
Local people of this state can be participating in
home stay operation for their economic advance-
ment which ensures the economic development in
this state. The present study analyzes the potenti-
alities of homestay accommodation for tourism
development in Kelantan. The aim of the study
is examining the overall situations of homestay
accommodation in Kelantan.

2 METHODS

The study used secondary data like documents,
acts, regulations and policies which were collected
from reliable sources. This study reviewed pub-
lished materials such as relevant research reports,
articles and books in order to accumulate second-
ary data and justify arguments.

3 ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

The homestays of eight villages in Kelantan are
officially registered by Ministry of Tourism. Kelan-
tan office of this Ministry is responsible for oper-
ating and supporting homestays in these villages.
These villages are famous for natural attractions,
waterfalls, activities, caves, limestone hills, jungle
tracking, sightseeing, traditional custom and cul-
ture, tropical rainforest, handicraft, traditional
lifestyle, fishing and traditional games. These tour-
ism resources are attracting guest in homestays
from home and abroad. The participation of local
communities in homestay accommodations are
increasing year by year. In 2006, 123 operators in
six villages were participating in homestay while
it reached in 152 operators from eight villages in
2013 (Table 1). This is indicating that homestay is
economically and socially potential for the rural
communities in Kelantan.
Table 2 highlights the guest arrivals and incomes
from homestay accommodation for the three states
of East Coast Economic Region in 2013. Kelantan
is showing backward position in guest arrivals and
incomes compare to other two states of ECER. In
this circumstance, more attentions are needed to
homestay accommodations for income generation
as well as communities' well-beings.