Critical criteria for sustainability of Homestay Experience Program in Malaysia

This study examines relevant critical criteria for homestay to maintain its competitiveness by adopting a quantitative approach using a cluster sample involving 188 respondents. The selection of homestays was based on three criteria: Being registered under the Malaysian Home Experience Program, being run by a cooperative, and highest revenue in each state of Peninsular Malaysia. 14 criteria were evaluated using the Best-Worst Method and the Analytical Hierarchy Process. Responsible participation, marketing and promotion, and commitment are rated as the most important criteria while hospitality, digitalisation and ensuring security are the least important. This study helps entrepreneurs in improving competency and provides insight for stakeholders and researchers to expand knowledge and develop better strategies. Future research should propose a comparison result from the tourists’ perspective.