Tourism Impact

Socio-Cultural:

Tourism as a form of peace

The visiting to Iban tribe village had allowed the foreigners to understand the cultures and people who live in the rural, therefore it increases mutual sympathy and understanding of the Iban culture. The Ibans had also accepted the peace of living together with other community as they used to kill people in the past decades.

Encourage civic involvement and pride

The Ibans are proud of sharing their authentic culture with the visitors as they allow thevisitors to try on their traditional costumes and get the visitors involve in their dances. The increase in visitors’ interest and curiosity also stimulates the feeling of pride of the Ibans’ culture. The Iban will also realise the financial value of their culture and they will be able to earn money from it.

Change indigenous identity and values

The traditional dance, Ngajat dance, was only perform as a celebration for important events such as wedding and other festivals, but now they will also perform for everyday for the tourist in order to satisfy what the tourist wants. The dance is no longer performed only on special occasions but had become a dance that everyone can see whenever they want.

Environmental:

Conservation of rainforest

The Iban tribe village are located in a rainforest and theIban is inseparable from the natural habitat, so in order to conserve the Ibanculture and heritage, the rainforest cannot be removed. Thus it helped preservedthe environment and reduces deforestation in Sarawak.·

Increase public’s appreciation of the natural environment

Thevisitation to Iban village will educate the visitors about the values of the natural environment as the visitors will learn about the connection of theIbans with the nature. Visitors will become more environmentally conscious ofactivities and behaviour as they gain more knowledge about the environment.

Economic:

Generates income for the locals

The locals are able to earn extra income byguiding the visitors around their village and selling their handcrafts andhome-made rice wine. The incomes earned can improve their standard of living