THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL TOURISM IN SMALL TOWN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

By recognizing the nature and culture in small towns as an asset that could become a tourist attraction, this research is aimed at exploring the potential of small towns in Malaysia as the sustainable tourism product. In any tourism planning and destination impact on the surrounding especially to the surrounding community or resident can be negative or positive. Nevertheless, resident support is essential to ensure long-term success in tourism development. This is particularly important because local community is the main player of the small town development to support the overall small town sustainability. The overall purpose of the study is to be a model of small town development and become a pioneer research of a well self-sustained tourism destination that enhances the economy, quality of life, and the community pride of small towns.