Rural Tourism Development Through Entrepreneurial Training: Lessons from the Bidayuh Indigenous Community

Shella Georgina Beatrice; Ngui Kwang Sing

Article Details

Rural Tourism Development Through Entrepreneurial Training: Lessons from the Bidayuh Indigenous Community

Authors:

Shella Georgina Beatrice | Ngui Kwang Sing

Publisher:

KnE Social Sciences

Journal:

KnE Social Sciences Vol.10 Issue 29, pp.125-135

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001515151

pISSN:

2518-668X

Keywords:

Abstract:

 This study explores the training needs of rural tourism entrepreneurs within the Bidayuh indigenous community in Serian, Malaysia. While rural tourism provides a valuable platform for indigenous communities to engage in sustainable development and cultural preservation, participation remains constrained by limited entrepreneurial capacity and contextual training opportunities. Grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and Entrepreneurial Learning Theory, this research investigates how training experiences influence rural entrepreneurship and tourism practices among the Bidayuh. A qualitative multiple case study approach was employed, involving focus group discussions across five villages. Participants were selected based on their active involvement in homestays, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism initiatives. Findings reveal that while participants benefited from training in hospitality, safety, and tourism management, challenges such as low literacy, digital access barriers, and language difficulties hindered full application. Motivations for training participation included economic advancement, service quality improvement, and regulatory compliance. However, current training programs often fail to consider local realities, cultural values, and experiential learning preferences. Participants emphasized the importance of hands-on learning, peer mentoring, and culturally relevant content. This study recommends community-driven, context-sensitive training that integrates mentorship and ongoing support networks. It also calls for inclusive strategies targeting women and youth and aligning training initiatives with local knowledge systems. The research contributes practical and theoretical insights to help policymakers, educators, and development agencies design more effective capacity-building programs. Ultimately, this work supports a more inclusive and sustainable rural tourism model that empowers indigenous communities economically and culturally.

Article Details

Rural Tourism Development Through Entrepreneurial Training: Lessons from the Bidayuh Indigenous Community

Authors:

Shella Georgina Beatrice | Ngui Kwang Sing

Publisher:

KnE Social Sciences

Journal:

KnE Social Sciences Vol.10 Issue 29, pp.125-135

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001515151

pISSN:

2518-668X

rural tourism development

experiential learning

entrepreneurial training

indigenous community

Issues

Article Details

Rural Tourism Development Through Entrepreneurial Training: Lessons from the Bidayuh Indigenous Community

Authors: Shella Georgina Beatrice | Ngui Kwang Sing

Publisher: KnE Social Sciences

Journal: KnE Social Sciences Vol.10 Issue 29, pp.125-135

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 3/2025

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001515151

pISSN: 2518-668X

rural tourism development

experiential learning

entrepreneurial training

indigenous community

Issues

Authors:

Shella Georgina Beatrice | Ngui Kwang Sing

Publisher:

KnE Social Sciences

Journal:

KnE Social Sciences Vol.10 Issue 29, pp.125-135

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001515151

pISSN:

2518-668X