Local Assets, Global Recognition
A Regenerative Model for Heritage-Based Community Empowerment in Malaysia
Keywords:
Regenerative tourism, Community empowerment, Indigenous knowledge, Heritage-based development, Participatory planningAbstract
Purpose – This study investigates how regenerative tourism can be applied as a model for heritage-based community empowerment in Niah National Park, Malaysia. It aims to address the gap in tourism development frameworks that often neglect Indigenous participation and ecological values, offering an alternative path toward inclusive and sustainable local development.
Design/methods/approach –The research adopts a qualitative case study approach, relying on secondary data, field-based observations, and thematic analysis of literature on regenerative development, Indigenous livelihoods, and participatory tourism. Two Indigenous communities— the Iban and Penan—are examined as central actors in heritage-based tourism.
Findings –The study finds that regenerative tourism can enhance community well-being through livelihood support, cultural preservation, and local pride. However, its effectiveness is hindered by top-down governance structures and insufficient inclusion of Indigenous voices. Greater success is likely when communities are empowered through co-created planning and Indigenous-led tourism enterprises.
Research implications/limitations –The study is limited by the absence of recent primary data and in-person interviews due to geographic and time constraints. The findings may thus reflect generalized insights but still offer important implications for localized tourism policies and the operationalization of regenerative models in similar heritage contexts.
Originality/value – This paper contributes to emerging discourse on regenerative tourism by linking it directly with Indigenous community empowerment and heritage preservation. It offers a Southeast Asian case that illustrates how place-based, participatory strategies can reframe tourism as a tool for social-ecological regeneration rather than mere economic growth
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