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Basic Approaches in Tourism Planning

Evolution of Tourism Planning

Lecture Outline

1. Introduction

2. Background of Tourism Planning In Malaysia

Tourism planning becomes so important mainly because of the conventional (traditional) tourism development are more focused towards its economic contribution. The development has somehow resulted to negative impacts:

a. Socio-cultural

b. Economic

c. Environmental.

1. Introduction • Because of all these, tourism planning become essentials and now frequently it is called “strategic planning”

• Demands for tourism planning and government intervention in the development process are typically a response to the unwanted effects of tourism development

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• The rapid pace of tourism growth and development, the nature of tourism itself and the corresponding absence of single agency responsible for tourism related development have often meant that public sector responses to the impacts of tourism on destinations have been ad hoc, rather than predetermined strategies oriented toward development objectives

• Although planning is not a cure to all unwanted effects, but yet, planning may be able to minimize potential negative impacts, maximize economic returns to the destination, and encourage a more positive response from the host community

2. Background of Tourism Planning in Malaysia

The Malaysian planning system is complex and often overlapping

Generally, the planning system in Malaysia is reflected based on the three tiers of government administrative structure:

a. Federal

b. State

c. Local

The Federal government is the highest planning body. National plans include: NEP (New Economic Policies), OPP (The Outline Perspective Plans), ETP (Economic Transformation Programme), National Ecotourism Master Plan, National Tourism Master Plan, etc.

The state is the second highest planning body in Malaysia. The state government’s role is to provide institutional and administrative support in implementing the projects and programs. The main decision body is the state executive committee (EXCO) and headed by Chief Minister on development matter.

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State plan include: Sabah Tourism Master Plan, 2011 to 2025, 2nd Sarawak Tourism Master Plan, etc.

At the local level, local people can voice their opinion through their local representatives who in turn represented by the district action committee.

At state level the proposal from various districts will be refined by State Economic Planning Unit then submitted to Implementation Unit of Prime Minister’s Department and the Treasury

• The approaches used in the planning process normally involves top down and bottom up, but predominantly top down approach with the local people only being consulted and is not directly involved in the decision making process

End of Lecture

Tutorial Question

1. Why is tourism planning important?