Agrotourism and Caucasian Tourists: Tales from Tekan Plantation Resort and Taman Rekreasi Kampung Guntung Luar

Abstract

The present study, conducted at Tekam Plantation Resort and Taman Rekreasi Kampung Guntung Luar, reveals that the Caucasian tourists, though small in number, are drawn to these agrotourism locations because they are attracted to Malaysian agricultural landscape which according to them is unlike theirs. For that reason they want to experience and know more about our agricultural crops and activities. This, the study finds out, is related to their perception of exoticism which has motivated many of them to seek unknown frontiers. Thus, if agrotourism industry in Malaysia is to be further promoted, the exotic aspects of our agricultural system could be carefully and imaginatively engineered in the marketing campaigns abroad.

ABSTRAK

Kajian ini, yang dijalankan di Tekam Plantation Resort dan Taman Rekreasi Kampung Guntung Luar, mendapati bahawa pelancong Kulit Putih melawat tapak pelancongan-tani di atas kerana mereka tertarik dengan landskap pertanian Malaysia, yang menurut mereka, berbeza dengan sistem pertanian di negara Barat. Hal yang demikian menyebabkan mereka ingin melihat, mengalami dan mengetahui lebih mendalam lagi tentang tanaman dan aktiviti pertanian negara ini. Hal ini didapati berkait dengan tanggapan mereka mengenai eksotisme yang telah merangsang ramai daripada mereka untuk mencari pengalaman dan keseronokan yang luar biasa. Maka sekiranya industri pelancongan-tani di Malaysia hendak dikembangkan lagi, aspek eksotik sistem pertanian kita hendaklah dijuruterakan dengan teliti dan secara imaginatif dalam kempen penggalakan di luar negara.