A comparative analysis of the contributions of mainstream and alternative tourism models to development: a case study of tourism operations in Penan, Malasyia

Abstract

Tourism development is vigorously pursued the world over for its economic benefits. This development takes very different forms, from all- inclusive beach resorts to family run guesthouses, and their respective impact is oftentimes just as different. However, it is not as simple as to say one form is good, the other bad. In reality there is sufficient evidence to suggest that particular forms are best suited to particular conditions, and sometimes both and sometimes neither mainstream or new tourism is appropriate. This thesis endeavours to assess the positive and negative impacts of mainstream and "new" tourism development in economic, socio- cultural, and environmental terms.