Imagining Merapoh in Malaysia as a world class ecotourism destination

Abstract

This study aims to enhance understanding of the socially constructed nature of tourism imaginaries. Qualitative data was collected using purposive sampling, with interviews conducted with a total of 10 stakeholders, including representatives from a government agency (2 persons), village community management (4 persons), a nature guide organization (3 persons), and a wildlife ranger (1 person). Narrative fieldwork in Merapoh was carried out to provide insights into the theory of tourism imaginaries through four key storie. Firstly, the study explores the history and culture that make Merapoh valuable as a tourism destination. Secondly, it examines the production of tourism imaginaries in this place. Thirdly, it analyzes how these images are related to the local communities, who are equally shaped by intangible heritage in the creation of tourism imaginaries. Finally, it investigates the challenges in improving Merapoh's potential as an eco-tourism destination. The findings from the first story reveal that Merapoh was historically inhabited by Chinese miners who discovered iron and gold ores. However, the area was declared an emergency site in 1948, leading to the closure of the mines and the resettlement of Chinese villagers to Jerkoh village. The second story shows that the government is focusing on developing Merapoh's tourism sector, particularly heritage tourism, and is making efforts to restructure Pekan Merapoh to attract more tourists. The third story highlights the tourism redevelopment plan for Merapoh Geopark, which includes cave tourism, national park tourism, and agrotourism, with a focus on the unique limestone caves and eco-tourism opportunities. The fourth story outlines the challenges in developing eco-tourism in Merapoh, such as cave development issues, social problems, a lack of accommodation facilities, limited exposure and interest in local culture, environmental pollution, and uncontrolled logging, which is causing environmental damage and endangering plant species. Tourism imaginaries are the foundation for constructing valuable collective narratives, evoking the emotions associated with a tourist destination. An advanced conceptual model for sustainable tourism, called 'The Pillar of Merapoh Imaginaries,' was developed. The eco-tourism potential of Merapoh is driven by self-fulfilling expectations shaped by local imaginations, best explained through the concept of tourism imaginaries.