SPECIAL INTEREST TOURISM : VILLAGE TOURISM IN PULAU PENYENGAT

Abstract

Special interest tourism arose as a result of fundamental socio-demographic changes in the world and is now the new catch word for the nineties. The rise of special interest tourism signifies both. a change in the quality and character of the travel experience. The new market will place increasing emphasis on 'active' and 'experiential' elements of the human and environmental context in which tourism occurs. Village tourism in Pulau Penyengat is an example of a particular form of special interest tourism common to Southeast Asia. Endowed also with elements of cultural and historical tourism, Pulau Penyengat, is analysed as an island destination still in the initial stages of special interest tourism development Based on Leiper's framework for tourism research, the four zones of the tourist system in Pulau Penyengat, which include the tourist-generating zone, the zone of interaction and interpretation, the host zone; and the planning and mangement zone are studied in detail. The zone of interaction and interpretation, otherwise known as the 'tourist product', features prominently and involves both a spatial-temporal analysis as well as a socio-cultural analysis. The attractions of the island, the host and tourist experience; and the impacts of tourism are some of the important issues discussed within the two level of analysis. The position and responsibility of Rumah Kampung Pte. Ltd., the Singapore-based company responsible for the establishment and management of village tourism in Pulau Penyengat is also reviewed. Its commitment to village tourism and its effectiveness in helping the locals develop their own base for village tourism needs to be assessed to predict the future outcome of village tourism on the island. Proper planning and management is necessary to allow village tourism in Pulau Penyengat to 'kick-off as well as to prevent possible negative impacts of tom.ism, should tourism development follow. Issues such as effective marketing, the upgrading of attractions and facilities; and the protection of the natural and social environment need to be addressed to ensure the success of village tourism in Palau Penyengat.