Community-based tourism in Melaka UNESCO world heritage area: A success in food and beverage sector?

Abstract

Community-based Tourism (CBT) is a tool for local economic development due to its capability and strength to provide economic sources to the resident destination. Given its focus on benefiting the local community, CBT has attracted a significant degree of academic attention. However, to date, there has been little discussion and evidence based on comprehensive studies on local economic benefits with regards to tourism activities in Malaysia as compared to other regions. This study examined tourists' expenditure on food and beverage, and its contribution to the local economic in Melaka UNESCO World Heritage area. A total of 1,000 diary record survey were collected. Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) was used to model interaction of domestic and international tourists. The results revealed 22.1% of the tourists spent between RM16.00-RM147.50 per trip for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, only 9% (breakfast), 34% (lunch) and 43% (dinner) were channelled to local economy.