The influence of decentralisation on tourism development in decentralised rural communities

Decentralisation is recognised for its potential to promote equitable economic growth, foster development, strengthen democratic governance, and support community-based development. It is also associated with delivering responsive and transparent local governance and promoting good governance nationally. However, its specific influence on tourism development in decentralised rural communities remains underexplored, particularly regarding power dynamics, community empowerment and participation, financial mechanisms, and the role of government. This thesis examines the influence of decentralisation on tourism development in decentralised rural communities, focusing on the dimensions of power, finance, community empowerment, and participation. These dimensions, extensively studied in broader development contexts, are particularly relevant in developing countries, where tourism development remains primarily centralised. Using qualitative research methods, this study examines two case studies—Nglanggeran and Sirnaresmi Villages—to explore how decentralisation affects tourism development through shifts in power dynamics, financial mechanisms, community empowerment and participation, and the government’s evolving role. The findings highlight a complex interplay between the opportunities and challenges posed by decentralisation. While decentralisation grants local governments and communities’ greater autonomy in tourism planning and decision-making, its implementation is often hindered by power struggles and limitations in community capacity and knowledge. These challenges are especially acute in rural areas, where resource and institutional constraints exacerbate governance inefficiencies and inequities. This research engages with ongoing academic debates on decentralisation and tourism development, addressing the tensions of power dynamics and risks such as elite capture, local empowerment and participation, financial mechanisms, and the evolving role of government. It contributes to the discourse on sustainable tourism development by demonstrating that decentralisation’s success depends on robust institutional frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and mechanisms for inclusive participation. The research underscores the need to re-evaluate and refine the implementation of decentralisation policies, addressing structural deficiencies to optimise tourism development in rural contexts. Keywords: decentralisation, tourism development, tourism planning, rural tourism, community empowerment, community participation,

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Author dc:creator

• Ram Idjal, Masrura

Contributors dc:contributor

• Altinay, Levent
• Wyatt, Brianna
• Alrawadieh, Zaid

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/17rb-ea58

OAI identifier oai:identifier

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