Differential Ethnic Involvement in the Penang Tourist Industry: Some Policy Implications*

Abstract

This paper draws attention to the ethnic impact of tourism on the plural society of Penang. It suggests that extant models on tourism development pay inadequate attention to the multiethnic character of the host community which may serve to determine the manner in which benefits from tourism are distributed. Using Penang as an example, it attempts to describe the process which gives rise to ethnic dominance in the industry, and suggests some measures which can be taken to sustain the attractive plural outlook of the island as a tourist destination.

ABSTRAK

Kertas ini memberi perhatian kepada kesan pelancongan terhadap kedudukan masyarakat majmuk di Pulau Pinang. Penulisan yang ada tentang kesan pelancongan tidak menonjolkan perkara ini walaupun ciri majmuk ini sendiri adakalanya boleh menentukan pola agihan faedah dari pelancongan. Dengan merujuk kepada kedudukan di Pulau Pinang, kertas ini cuba menghuraikan proses dominasi etnik dalam industri pelancongan, dan mencadangkan beberapa langkah yang boleh diambil bagi mengekalkan wajah masyarakat majmuk yang merupakan satu daya tarikan penting bagi destinasi pelancongan tersebut.