IMPLICATIONS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MICRO-SCALE TOURISM ENTREPRENEURS IN RANAU DISTRICT, SABAH

Abstract

Tourism in Malaysia is still the third largest contributor of income after the manufacturing and petroleum industries. Tourism can be said to be the only alternative industry sector that can introduce something interesting that is hidden somewhere to the world level. Indirectly, this situation is able to generate income and reduce the poverty gap among the local population. This research study was conducted with the aim of examining the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on micro-scale tourism in the Ranau district, Sabah. This study uses a qualitative method that is through the interview method that took place from October to December 2021. The findings of the study show that among the micro tourism operators in the Ranau district, most of them are greatly affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. In addition, this study also managed to collect and find some important findings regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on micro-scale tourism entrepreneurs in Ranau, Sabah. In conclusion, despite the various constraints that the researcher has to face, the researcher does not give up, especially in getting informants who are willing to be interviewed online by the researcher.