Enhancing community-led tourism through intercity train services / Shahrul Azmal Jamaludin

The need for efficient movement of people and goods has given rise to the railway system, which provides smooth transport and bridges geographical gaps. This mode of transport has expanded people's access and improved mobility, connectivity, trade and distribution of goods and passengers. Railways play a crucial role in the development of human civilisation by connecting various activities such as work, education, social interactions, and business. In addition, the railway system has fuelled the growth of the tourism sector. Accessibility of travel is fundamental in attracting people to go on holiday, and transport is a fundamental tool for tourism, the absence of which makes tourism virtually inaccessible. However, the preference for railways as a means of travel has declined due to strong competition from other modes of transport, especially road and air transport. While tourism is a lucrative initiative for income generation and economic growth, it also has a detrimental impact on the environment. Communitybased tourism is an alternative to tourism in the interest of community and environmental conservation, but it is difficult to sustain. This study investigates the potential of railways collaborating with community-based tourism to support the development of community-based tourism. In addition, it also aims to help the intercity train services increase its number of ridership and revenue. The approach of the study uses the qualitative research method to conduct an in-depth study on the relationship between railways and community-based tourism that could bring benefits to railways and tourism, especially community-based tourism involving field research and key informant interviews. The study found that railways can effectively use tourism to increase the number of passengers and revenue of intercity trains. The trains are responsible for transporting tourists to Community-Based Tourism destinations. By meeting the transport needs of tourists, railways play an important role in ensuring the accessibility of these destinations. This accessibility is a crucial factor for the success of a tourism destination such as Community-Based Tourism.