RURAL TOURISM DESTINATION COMPETITIVENES OF KUBAH NATIONAL PARK IN SARAWAK: TOURISTS' PERSPECTIVE
Main Article Content
Abstract
This paper argues that tourism initiatives introduced in Malaysia's rural setting lack of adequate attentions on tourists' perceptions when designing a competitive paradigm for their development and management. This paper proposes a competitive model to evaluate important factors that link to destination competitiveness. The elements of destination competitiveness investigated in this study include natural resources, range of activities, accessibility of destination and local communities. SmartPLS 2.0 (M3) is applied in this study to analyse the data collected based on path modelling and then bootstrapping. A total of 103 questionnaires collected back from Kubah National Park by using convenience sampling technique. Based on the result, natural resources, range of activities and accessibility have a significant influence on destination competitiveness. However, local communities were found not significantly influence on destination competitiveness. The results of this study are believed to contribute to tourism authorities in choosing the right tourism development paradigms in specific rural areas.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Abas, A. S., & Mohd Hanafiah, M. H. (2014). Local community attitudes towards tourism development in Tioman Island. 6th Tourism Outlook Conference. Paper Tourism, Leisure and Global Change, 1, 135–147.
Aguila, G. M., & Ragot, R. (2014). Ecotourism industry in Ilijan Batangas City, Philippines: Assessing its effects as a basis of proposed tourism development plan. Quarterly Journal of Business Studies, 1(1), 24–35.
Akroush, M. N., Jraisat, L. E., Kurdieh, D. J., AL-Faouri, R. N., & Qatu, L. T. (2016). Tourism service quality and destination loyalty-the mediating role of destination image from international tourists' perspectives. Tourism Review, 71(1).
Al-Ababneh, M. (2013). Service quality and its impact on tourist satisfaction. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 4(12), 164–177.
Ali, J. A., & Howaidee, M. (2012). The impact of service quality on tourist satisfaction in Jerash. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 3(12), 164–187.
Anderson, J. C., & Gerbing, D. W. (1988). Structural equation modeling in practice: A review and recommended two-step approach. Psychological Bulletin, 103(3), 411–423. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.103.3.411
Aref, F., & Gill, S. S. (2009). Rural tourism development through rural cooperatives. Nature and Science, 7(10), 68–73.
Ayikoru, M. (2015). Destination competitiveness challenges: A Ugandan perspective. Tourism Management, 50, 142–158. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2015.01.009
Bagozzi, R. P., & Yi, Y. (1988). On the evaluation of structural equation models. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 16(1), 74–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02723327
Barsky, J., & Nash, L. (2002). Evoking emotion: affective keys to hotel loyalty. The Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 43(1), 39–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0010-8804(02)80007-6
Bieger, T. (2005). Management von destinationen. München: Oldenbourg. Buckley, R. (1994). A framework for ecotourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 21(3), 661–669. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(94)90126-0
Chen, C. M., Chen, S. H., & Lee, H. T. (2011). The destination competitiveness of Kinmen's tourism industry: Exploring the interrelationships between tourist perceptions, service performance, customer satisfaction and sustainable tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 19(2), 247–264. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2010.517315
Chen, C. F., & Tsai, D. (2007). How destination image and evaluative factors affect behavioral intentions. Tourism Management, 28, 1115–1122. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2006.07.007
Chen, J. S. (2001). A case study of Korean outbound travelers' destination images by using correspondence analysis. Tourism Management, 22, 345–350. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(00)00066-2
Chi, C., & Qu, H. (2008). Examining the structural relationship of destination image, tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty: An integrated approach. Tourism Management 29(4), 624–636. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2007.06.007
Chin, W. W. (1998a). Issues and opinion on structural equation modeling. MIS Quarterly, 22(1), VII-XVI.
Chin, W. W. (1998b). The partial least squares approach for structural equation modeling In G. A. E. Marcoulides (Ed.), Modern methods for business research, Methodology for business and management (pp. 295–336). Mahwah, NJ, US: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.
Chin, W. W. (2010). How to write up and report PLS Analyses. In V. E. Vinzi, W. W. Chin, J. Henseler, & H. Wang (Eds.), Handbook of partial least squares: Concepts, methods and application (pp. 645–689). New York: Springer. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-32827-8_29
Commonwealth Department of Industry Tourism and Resources. (2003). Tourism white paper -the medium to long-term strategy for tourism. Canberra: CDITR.
Cracolici, M. F., Rietveld, P., & Nijkamp, P. (2006). Assessment of tourist competitiveness by analysing destination efficiency. Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper, No. 06- 097/3. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.942729
Croes, R. (2010). Small island tourism competitiveness: Expanding your destination" s slice of paradise. Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Lecture notes, 1–32.
Crouch, G. I. (2001). Developing Operational Measures for the Components of a Destination Competitiveness/Sustainability Model: Consumer versus Managerial Perspectives. In J. A. Mazanec, G. I. Crouch, J. R. Brent Richie, & A. G. Woodside (Eds). Consumer psychology of tourism, hospitality, and leisure (pp. 1–17). Wallingford: CABI Publishing.
Crouch, G. I. (2011). Destination competitiveness: An analysis of determinant attributes. Journal of Travel Research, 50, 27–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0047287510362776
Dmitrovi?, T., Cvelbar, L. J., Kolar, T., Brencic, M. M., Ograjenšek, I., & Žabkar, V. (2009). Conceptualizing tourist satisfaction at the destination level. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, 3(2), 116–126. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17506180910962122
Dunn, R., & Iso-Ahala, S. (1991). Sightseeing tourists" motivations and satisfaction. Annals of Tourism Research, 18(2), 226–237. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(91)90006-W
Dupeyras, A., & MacCallum, N. (2013). Indicators for measuring competitiveness in tourism: A Guidance document. OECD Tourism Papers, 2013/02, OECD Publishing. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/5k47t9q2t923-en
Dwyer, L., Forsyth, P., & Rao, P. (2000a). The price competitiveness of travel and tourism: A comparison of 19 destinations. Tourism Management, 21(1), 9–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(99)00081-3
Dywer, L., & Kim, C. (2003). Destination competitiveness: A model and determinants. Current Issues In Tourism, 6(5), 369–414. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13683500308667962
Edwards, A. (1993) Price Competitiveness of holiday destinations: Costs from European travellers II (Research Report). London: The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Etiosa, O. (April 2012). The impacts of event tourism on host communities: The city of Pietarsaari (Unpublished thesis). Degree programme in Tourism, Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences, Unit for Technology and Business, Kokkola-Pietarsaari. Retrieved from https://publications.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/43714/omoregie_etiosa.pdf?sequence=1
Formica, S. (2004). Destination attractiveness as a function of supply and demand interaction (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved March 4, 2016 from https://theses.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-11142000-15560052/unrestricted/DissertationDefense.pdf
Fornell, C., & Bookstein, F. L. (1982). Two structural equation models: LISREL and PLS applied to consumer exit-voice theory. Journal of Marketing research, 19(4), 440–452. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3151718
Fornell, C. & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39 –50. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3151312
Fundosa Accessibility SA Final Report. (2009). Study of access Requirements related quality norms in European tourism. Vía Libre, SA: Ambrose, I., & Vicens, C. Retrieved from http://www.accessibletourism.org/?i=enat.en.reports.1488 .
Gartner, W. C. (2014). Brand equity in a tourism destination. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, 10(2), 108–116. http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/pb.2014.6
Gefen, D., Straub, D., & Boudreau, M. C. (2000). Structural equation modeling and regression: Guidelines for research practice. Communications of the association for information systems, 4(7), 1–77.
Getz, D. (1997). Event management & event tourism. Elmsford, NY: Cognizant Communication Corporation.
Goffi, G. (2013). A model of tourism destinations competitiveness: The case of the Italian destinations of excellence. en Anuario Turismo y Sociedad, XIV, 121–147.
Gomezelj, D. O., & Mihali?, T. (2008). Destination competitiveness-Applying different models: The case of Slovenia. Tourism management, 29(2), 294–307. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2007.03.009
Gudergan, S. P., Ringle, C. M., Wende, S., & Will, A. (2008). Con-firmatory tetrad analysis in PLS path modeling. Journal of Business Research, 61(12), 1238–1249. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2008.01.012
Guiver, J., & Stanford, D. (2014). Why destination visitor travel planning falls between the cracks. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 3(3), 140–151. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2013.11.005
Gustafsson, A., & Johnson, M. D. (2004). Determining attribute importance in a service satisfaction model. Journal of Service Research, 7(2), 124–141. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1094670504268453
Hair, J. F., Anderson, R. E., Tatham, R. L. & Black, W. C. (1998). Multivariate data analysis, 5, 87–135.
Hair, J. F, Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th edition). USA: Pretice-Hall International.
Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Christian, M. Ringle, & Sarstedt, M. (2013). A primer on partial least squares strucutral equation modeling PLS-SEM. Sage Publications.
Hall, C. M. (2004). Space-time accessibility and the tourist area cycle of evolution: The role of geographies of spatial interaction and mobility in contributing to an improved understanding of tourism, In R. Butler (Ed.), The tourism area life cycle: Conceptual and theoretical issues (pp. 83–100). Clevedon: Channelview Publications.
Hallmann, K., Müller, S., & Feiler, S. (2014). Destination competitiveness of winter sport resorts in the Alps: how sport tourists perceive destinations? Current Issues in Tourism, 17(4), 327–349. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2012.720247
Hallmann, K., Müller, S., Feiler, S., Breuer, C., & Roth, R. (2012). Suppliers' perception of destination competitiveness in a winter sport resort. Tourism Review, 67(2), 13–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/16605371211236105
Hassan, S. S. (2000). Determinants of market competitiveness in an environmentally sustainable tourism industry. Journal of travel research, 38(3), 239–245. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/004728750003800305
Heath, E. (2003). Key trends and challenges in destination marking: the need for a new paradigm. In J. Ruddy, & S. Flanagan (Eds), Tourism destination marketing: Gaining the competitive edge (pp. 174–196). Dublin, Ireland: Travel and Tourism Research Association.
Hossain, M. J. (2006). The use of promotional activities in the tourism industry: The case of Bangladesh (Unpublished Master Thesis). Business Administration, School of Management, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden. Retrieved from http://www.bth.se/fou/cuppsats.nsf/all/3c5d92da5330a8eec12571950033b0b8?OpenDocument
Huang, S. L. (2011). Golf event sports tourists: Behavioral intentions and perceptions of service quality, value, satisfaction, and image (Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation). Hospitality Administration, Texas Tech University. Retrieved August 23, 2015 from https://repositories.tdl.org/ttuir/bitstream/handle/2346/45264/Huang_DissertationReview.pdf?sequence=1
Hudson, S., Ritchie, B., & Timur, S. (2004). Measuring destination competitiveness: An empirical study of Canadian ski resorts. Tourism and Hospitality Planning & Development, 1(1), 79–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1479053042000187810
Huh, J. (2002). Tourist satisfaction with cultural/heritage site: The Virginia Triangle (Unpublished Master's Thesis). Faculty of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. Retrieve May 8, 2015 from http://www.scholar.lib.vt.edu/thesis/available/etd01540021710/unrestrited/thesis.pdf.
Inskeep, E. (1991). Tourism planning: An integrated and sustainable development approach.
John Wiley & Sons, New York. Jamaludin, M., Johari, S., Aziz, A., Kayat, K., & Mohamad Yusof, A. R. (2012). Examining structural relationship between destination image, tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty. International Journal of Independent Research and Studies – IJIRS, 1(3), 89–96.
Khound, J. M. (2013). Constraints and prospects of rural tourism development: An overview of tourism in Shyamgaon of Titabor of Jorhat, District (Assam). Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 1(1), 27–31.
Komppula, R. (2014). The role of individual entrepreneurs in the development of competitiveness for a rural tourism destination–A case study. Tourism Management, 40, 361–371.
Kozak, M. (1999). Destination competitiveness measurement: Analysis of effective factors and indicators. Paper presented at European Regional Science Association (ERSA) Conference, Vienna, Austria. Retrieved 9 June 2015 from http://wwwsre.wuwien.ac.at/ersa/ersaconfs/ersa99/Papers/a289.pdf
Kozak, M., Balo?lu, ?., & Bahar, O. (2009). Measuring destination competitiveness: Multiple destinations versus multiple nationalities. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 19(1), 56–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19368620903327733
Kozak, M., & Rimmington, M. (1999). Measuring tourist destination competitiveness: Conceptual considerations and empirical findings. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 18, 273–283. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0278-4319(99)00034-1
Kumra, R. (2008). Service quality in rural tourism: A prescriptive approach. Paper presented in Conference on Tourism in India- Challenges Ahead, 15th–17th May 2008, Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode. Retrieved 23 November 2015 from http://www.researchgate.net/publication/255592421_Service_Quality_in_Rural_Tourism_A_Prescriptive_Approach
Lawson, R., Merrett, T., & Williams, J. (1996). The social impacts of tourism a review of the literature with special emphasis on New Zealand (pp. 37–45). Wellington: The Group.
Lee K. F., & Kandasamy, S. (2011). An investigation of service quality and customer satisfaction among hotels in Langkawi. Paper presented at International Conference on Management (ICM 2011) Proceeding, 13–14 June 2011, Penang, Malaysia. Retrieved September 15, 2015 from http://www.internationalconference.com.my/proceeding/icm2011proceeding/056_168_ICM2011_PG0731_0749_SERVICE_QUALITY.pdf
Marku, A. M. (2014). Tourism Strategy of Albania. European Scientific Journal, 10(7), 57–66.
McKercher, B., Packer, T., Yau, M. K., & Lam, P. (2003). Travel agents as facilitators or inhibitors of travel: perceptions of people with disabilities. Tourism Management, 24(4), 465–474. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(02)00107-3
Mechinda, P., Serirat, S., Popaijit, N., Lertwannawit, A., & Anuwichanont, J. (2010). The relative impact of competitiveness factors and destination equity on tourist's loyalty in Koh Chang, Thailand. International Business & Economics Research Journal (IBER), 9(10), 99–114. http://dx.doi.org/10.19030/iber.v9i10.643
Middleton, V. T. C. (1997). Sustainable tourism: A marketing perspective. In M. J. Stabler (Ed.), Tourism sustainability. Principles to practice (pp. 129–142). Wallingford: CAB International.
Mihali?, T. (2000). Environmental management of a tourist destination: A factor of tourism competitiveness. Tourism management, 21(1), 65–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(99)00096-5
Mihali?, T. (2013). Performance of environmental resources of a tourist destination: Concept and application. Journal of Travel Research, 52(5), 614–630. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0047287513478505
Mill, R. C., & Morrison, A. M. (1992). The tourist system: An introductory text (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Mohamed, B., Malek, A., & Irwana Omar, S. (2015). Perception of destination competitiveness: Lesson to BIMP-EAGA Region. BIMP-EAGA Journal for Sustainable Tourism Development, 1(1), 55–69.
Murphy, K. J. (1985). Corporate performance and managerial remuneration: An empirical analysis. Journal of Accounting and Economics, 7(1), 11–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0165-4101(85)90026-6
Murphy, P., Pritchard, M. P., & Smith, B. (2000). The destination product and its impact on traveller perceptions. Tourism management, 21(1), 43–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(99)00080-1
Nunnally, J. C. (1978). Psychometric theory. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Omerzel, D. G. (2006). Competitiveness of Slovenia as a tourist destination. Managing Global Transitions, 4(2), 167–189.
Parahiyanti, C. R., & Hussein, A. S. (2015). The role of event brand awareness in creating event brand image, event brand quality, and revisit Intention (a Lesson from Ijen Car Free Day). Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa FEB, 3(2), 1–11.
Perles-Ribes, J. F., Ramón-Rodríguez, A. B., & Sevilla-Jiménez, M. (2014). Market share as a tourist destinations competitiveness measure: Sense and limitations. Cuadernos de Turismo, 34, 423–425.
Pikkemaat, B., & Müller, S. (2008). Consumer changes in secular behaviour. In C. Kronenberg, S. Müller, M. Peters, B. Pikkemaat, & K. Weiermair (Eds.), Change management in tourism: From 'old' to 'new' tourism (pp. 69–83). Berlin: ESV.
Presenza, A., Sheehan, L., & Ritchie, J. B. (2005). Towards a model of the roles and activities of destination management organizations. Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Science, 3(1), 1–16.
Rajesh, R. (2013). Impact of tourist perceptions, destination image and tourist satisfaction on destination loyalty: A conceptual model. Special Issue, 11(3), 67–78.
Ramakumar, A., & Rajashree, S. (2008). Product development and management in rural tourism: Tourism in India- challenges Ahead. Paper presented at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) 2008, 15–17 May, 2008, Kozhikode, Kerala, India. Retrieved from http://dspace.iimk.ac.in/bitstream/2259/585/1/443-452+Prof.+A.Ramakumar.pdf
Reichheld, F. F., & Schefter, P. (2000). E-loyalty: your secret weapon on the web. Harvard Business Review, 78(4), 105–113.
Ritchie, J. R., & Crouch, G. I. (1993). Competitiveness in international tourism: A framework for understanding and analysis. Canada: World Tourism Education and Research Centre, University of Calgary
Ritchie, J. R., & Crouch, G. I. (2010). A model of destination competitiveness/sustainability: Brazilian perspectives. Revista de Administracao Publica, 44(5), 1049–1066. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-76122010000500003
Ross, E. L. D., & Iso-Ahola, S. E. (1991). Sightseeing tourists" motivations and satisfaction. Annals of Tourism Research, 18(2), 226–237.
Said, A., Shuib, A., Ayob, N., & Yaakob, F. (2013). An evaluation of service quality from visitors' perspectives: The case of Niah National Park in Sarawak. International Journal of Business and Society, 14(1), 61–78.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation. (n. d.). Kubah National Park. Retrieved Jan 27, 2016 from http://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-np-kubah.html
Schefter, P., & Reichheld, F. (2000). E-loyalty: Your secret weapon on the Web. Harvard Business Review, 78(4), 105–113.
Shonk, D. J. (2006). Perceptions of service quality, satisfaction and intent to return among tourists attending a sporting event (Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation). The Ohio State University, Columbus. Retrieved March 13, 2015 from https://etd.ohiolink.edu/rws_etd/document/get/osu1148617265/inline
Tenenhaus, M., Vinzi, V. E., Chatelin, Y. M., & Lauro, C. (2005). PLS path modeling. Computational Statistics and Data Analysis, 48(1), 159–205. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.csda.2004.03.005
Thyne, M., Lawson, R., & Todd, S. (2006). The use of conjoint analysis to assess the impact of the cross-cultural exchange between hosts and guests. Tourism Management, 27(2), 201–213. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2004.09.003
Tsai, H., Song, H., & Wong, K. K. (2009). Tourism and hotel competitiveness research. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 26(5–6), 522–546. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10548400903163079
Tubey, W., & Tubey, R. J. (2014). Resources and attractions for sports tourism in north rift region in Kenya. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 5(23), 170–176.
Vengesayi, S. (2003). A conceptual model of tourism destination competitiveness and attractiveness. Paper presented at Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference (ANZMAC) 2003, Adelaide, Australia. Retrieved from http://195.130.87.21:8080/dspace/bitstream/123456789/523/1/A%20conceptual%20model%20of%20tourism%20destination%20competitiveness%20and%20attractiveness.pdf
Wani, N. A., & Shafi, A. (2013). Rural tourism: An option for development of rural economy in Kashmir. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, 2(6), 852–861.
Wetzels, M., Schroder, G. O., & Oppen, V. C. (2009). Using PLS path modeling for assessing hierarchical construct models: Guidelines and empirical illustration. MIS Quarterly, 33(1), 177–195.
Wilde, S. J., & Cox, C. (2008). Linking destination competitiveness and destination development: Findings from a mature Australian tourism destination. Paper presented at Proceedings of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) European Chapter Conference-Competition in tourism: Business and destination perspectives, Helsinki, Finland, 467–478.
Yoon, Y. (2002). Development of a structural model for tourism destination competitiveness from stakeholders' perspectives (Doctoral Dissertation). Hospitality and Tourism Management, Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Retrieved March 4, 2016 from https://theses.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-10032002-165524/unrestricted/TourismDestinationCompetitivenessYooshikYoon.pdf
Yoon, Y., & Uysal, M. (2005). An examination of the effects of motivation and satisfaction on destination loyalty: A structural model. Tourism management, 26(1), 45–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2003.08.016
Zhang, J., Inbakaran, R. J., & Jackson, M. S. (2006). Understanding community attitudes towards tourism and host-guest interaction in the urban-rural border region. Tourism Geographies, 8(2), 182–204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14616680600585455
Zhu, M. F. (2011). Examining the structural relationships of tourist characteristics and destination satisfaction. International Conference on E-business, Management and Economics, IPEDR, 3, 187–191.