Conceptualising Governance Approach on Stakeholders Participation and Collaboration in George Town Festival, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

Governance is defined as the reflexive self-organization carried out with multi-discipline processes and regulatory mechanisms that help in promoting the development of numerous policies and issues area including tourism planning. The primary concern is lack of focus on understanding the participation process and collaboration among key stakeholders in the context of special event projects especially in tourism event management. The article attempts to examine the participation and collaboration processes in conducting George Town Festival. A qualitative method which includes an in-depth interview with key stakeholders was adopted in the case study and thematic analysis was conducted. The findings revealed that process of participation and collaboration in George Town Festival event had contributed to innovative channels of communication, openness public participation, selection of most committed and proactive performers.