Synergizing Malaysian Homestays and the Digital Economy

During the post-COVID-19 recovery period, the homestay sector in Malaysia has faced major challenges regarding modernization and technological integration. In addition, homestay operators have struggled with issues of sustainability and the need to collaborate on digital economic partnerships. A study involving 131 homestay operators, together with 13 government officials, demonstrated that operators realized the benefits of smart technology, but lacked the digital skills necessary to grow their customer base. Other significant obstacles to industry growth included regulatory hurdles, competition from illegal homestays, and financial difficulties. Sustainable growth will require collaboration between private companies, government, and homestay operators. If assisted by the government, the private sector could adopt new technologies that might operate using a public–private partnership management framework. A digital platform, established as a marketing focal point, would connect operators with larger markets and provide shared resources to support the sustainability of Malaysia's homestay industry.