Homestay Business Sustainability in Selangor and Perlis: Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Perspectives

Abstract

This paper examines the pivotal roles played by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in assisting homestay business owners to sustain their operations, focusing on the context of Perlis and Selangor, Malaysia. Homestays represent a significant component of the tourism industry, offering unique cultural experiences and contributing to local economies. However, ensuring the sustainability of homestay businesses requires concerted efforts from government agencies such as MOTAC. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and empirical evidence, this study elucidates the multifaceted roles undertaken by MOTAC in supporting homestay business owners. These roles include cultural preservation, community engagement, promotion of responsible tourism practices, and policy support. MOTAC organises training programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance the skills and knowledge of homestay business owners, promoting sustainable practices. Furthermore, MOTAC collaborates with local communities to preserve cultural heritage and foster social cohesion while advocating for supportive policies and regulations that create an enabling environment for homestay businesses. By interviewing six MOTAC officials from the Selangor and Perlis regions, this paper highlights MOTAC's interventions in enhancing the sustainability of homestay businesses. This paper also highlights the issues and challenges MOTAC faces in ensuring the sustainability of homestay operations. By fostering environmental stewardship, cultural authenticity, community involvement, and responsible tourism, MOTAC plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term viability and resilience of the homestay sector in Perlis and Selangor. The findings underscore the importance of holistic and collaborative approaches in supporting sustainable tourism development, with MOTAC serving as a critical facilitator in this endeavour.