Title: The big state in touristification: a look into tourist perceptions on placemaking and authenticity in Melaka and George Town, Malaysia

Authors: Nagathisen Katahenggam; Victor Eng-Lye Wee

Addresses: Faculty of Hospitality, Food and Leisure Management, Taylor's University, Malaysia ' Faculty of Hospitality, Food and Leisure Management, Taylor's University, Malaysia

Abstract: This paper explores tourist perceptions of two heritage cities listed as a single world heritage site, with contrasting approaches towards touristification. On one hand, neo-liberal driven politics allowed for greater dominance by non-state entities, placing more emphasis on the participatory approach towards touristification in George Town. On the other hand, the presence of the state is pervasive in Melaka, shaping the physical and cultural aspects of touristification. The state utilises the touristification process to create placemaking in Melaka to fit into its socio-political needs, whereas placemaking in George Town is left to other forces. This brings into question the perceptions of both domestic and foreign tourists in their consumption of authenticity. This research utilised visual elicitation method, using photographs and videos of both cities as visual tools for semi-structured interviews. Two physical tourism attractions were selected, Melaka River Cruise and Little India Improvements District in George Town. The analysis indicates that geographic origin influences the perception and consumption of authenticity among tourists in placemaking in both cities. Domestic tourists were more receptive of state involvement in the reconstructing of heritage while foreign tourists associate it with intense commodification. State intervention in placemaking and touristification is contextualised.

Keywords: statism; touristification; tourist perception; heritage tourism; placemaking; Malaysia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLTM.2024.140624

International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, 2024 Vol.8 No.2, pp.126 - 142

Received: 04 Mar 2023
Accepted: 09 Oct 2023
Published online: 28 Aug 2024 *

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