Authors : Adnan Jusoh, Khairil Ariffin, Nasir Nayan, Yunus Sauman Sabin, Farhana Abdullah, Zuliskandar Ramli and Ros Mahwati Ahmad Zakaria
Abstract: This study focuses on the involvement of the local people in the archaeotourism sector in Lembah Bujang, Kedah. This is because as one of the popular tourist destinations that is based on site of archaeological heritage, the progress and development around Lembah Bujang indirectly also have positive effects on the life of the community in the vicinity the area. The issue is to what extent does the involvement of the local community in the archaeotourism sector brings benefit, especially in terms of the aspect of increase of income or their quality of life. In addition, what are the issues or challenges faced by the local community as a result of the surge of rapid development in the area? Thus, in order to answer these problems, the research methodology employed were the qualitative and quantitative method. In addition to referring to the secondary sources in libraries and archives, examination in the field through interviews and questionnaires were also carried out to identify the issues or prospects that need to be addressed or handled. The study found that the archaeotourism sector in Lembah Bujang has high potential to be developed. Apart from the infrastructure facilities that are provided in general the local people gain benefit as a result of tourist arrivals in the form of the increase of income through business, sales of souvenirs, transportation, rentals, homestay and many others. Nevertheless, not all the community members were involved in the archaeotourism sector as a result of the lack of understanding, limited opportunities or the relatively limited financial capacity.
Adnan Jusoh, Khairil Ariffin, Nasir Nayan, Yunus Sauman Sabin, Farhana Abdullah, Zuliskandar Ramli and Ros Mahwati Ahmad Zakaria, 2017. Analysis of Local Community’s Involvement in the Archaeotourism Sector in Lembah Bujang, Kedah. The Social Sciences, 12: 1377-1383.