Contribution of the Tourism Sector to Achieving Economic Development

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the significance of the Malaysian tourism experience in achieving economic development, as tourism is considered one of the leading industries generating significant income and described as the new economic giant and the fastest-growing industry. Most countries worldwide, regardless of their development level, strive to increase their share of tourist movement. Considering that the Malaysian economy in the 1970s was similar to the Algerian economy, where it was dependent on exporting raw materials, it began to focus on the tourism sector in the early 1980s to diversify the state's revenues. Interest in the tourism sector started through intensive efforts and promotional policies adopted by the Malaysian state to improve Malaysia's image as a tourist destination.
The study concluded the importance of integrating tourism development plans within the general developmental plans of the state, in addition to the necessity of joint efforts between the public and private sectors to achieve comprehensive tourism development.