Conflict measurement among groups within a heterogeneous local community in a rural tourism destination : a case study of Gopeng Ecoadventure, Perak, Malaysia

Abstract

Enhancement in rural tourism is seen as a positive development and has great potential. Therefore, the responsibility to be played by various stakeholders involved in rural tourism industry as a key player should be highlighted. The role of local people in decision-making process also can not be ignored. This research only focused on internal conflict going on between several stakeholders such as local residents, chalet and homestay operators, and adventure-based operators as well as indigenous community in a rural tourism destination. The location chosen is located in Ecoadventure Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia, a Rawanese Malay traditional villages and potentially promote as a eco-adventure tourism destination. The conflict in the resources management among themselves directly become a barrier to the success of tourism development. According to literature review, internal conflict exists in several forms such as personal relationships, family, tourism and environmental management and identity (especially involving ethnicity, race or religion). Hence, conflicts can occur especially when the actors against each other to achieve incompatible goals. Generally, the objective of this paper is to understand the ongoing conflict in theoretical and applied measurement in assessing the seriousness of the conflict in the study area. This measurement can also help in determining the magnitude of conflict that can be used in solving the conflict. The results of this study will provide a positive impact in offer ways to resolve conflicts among groups within a heterogeneous local community and contributing towards a better rural tourism industry. Finally, integration and cooperative spirit among locals became a major success towards responsible tourism.