Tolkach, Denis, Kamble, Zilmiyah, and Thirumaran, K (2025) Will post-Covid tourism be collaborative and regenerative in SIJORI region? In: CAUTHE 2025 Conference Proceedings: Transforming Tomorrow: Leveraging Opportunities to Create Change in Tourism, Hospitality and Events. 717 -719. From: Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) Conference 2025, 10-13 February 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on tourism across the world, including Southeast Asia. Some of the highly affected areas are those reliant on cross-border travel, such as Singapore- Johor-Riau islands region, also known as SIJORI Growth Triangle. Since the 1980s, the region utilised their resources across the national borders collaboratively to ensure economic growth (Grundy-Warr, Peachey and Perry, 1999). While it was first predominantly oriented towards manufacturing industries, it also led to growth in cross-border tourism (Chang, 2004). While Singaporeans are the main source market for both Johor (Malaysia) and Riau Islands (Indonesia), cross-border tourism from Johor and Riau Islands is also significant (Fadli, 2020; STB, 2020; Tourism Malaysia, 2020). COVID-19 put a halt to such travel for nearly two years. At the time of borders reopening, questions were raised regarding the reestablishment of cross- border tourism, broader collaboration in SIJORI region and whether the post-COVID tourism might become regenerative. Regenerative tourism has often been simplified to making a positive impact on the local community and environment (Reymond, 2022). However, regenerative tourism requires a mindset shift towards a holistic approach to tourism as a system which is based on collaboration and compassion. It needs to be adaptive, place-based, community-centred and environment-focused (Dredge, 2022). It was expected that post- COVID tourism might embrace regeneration, sustainability and other frameworks that emphasise making a positive contribution to society and environment (Lew, et al., 2020). Thus, this paper investigates the perspectives of 24 managers from different industries representing the tourism sector in SIJORI region. The data was collected via a semi-structured in-depth interview that took place in November 2021 - March 2022. 12 participants were from Riau Islands, 8 from Singapore and 4 from Johor. 16 interviews worked in accommodation sector, 5 in tours or at attractions and 3 represent destination marketing organisations. The interviews focused on the impact of COVID-19 on participants' businesses, their thoughts on regenerative tourism in the region, and post-COVID cross-border collaboration in SIJORI Growth Triangle. The following summarises the findings from the study. Firstly, participants acknowledged that before the pandemic, the tourism industry in Singapore and the Riau Islands was reporting record high and growing arrivals. The clientele was also diverse across the markets. In addition to cross-border travel, key markets included Australia, China, Europe and India. However, in Johor, some issues emerged prior to pandemic associated with an oversupply of hotels and poor performance from some attractions. The reliance on Singaporean tourists made the region vulnerable. Nevertheless, Johor's tourism industry placed high hopes on new developments such as Puteri Harbour and Desaru. Participants agreed that the pandemic had a devastating effect on the tourism industry across the SIJORI region. International travel restrictions and border closures led to severe drops in visitor numbers, forcing temporary closures and reductions in staff. Singapore's tourism sector faced significant disruptions, with international arrivals plummeting. Tourism destinations and individual businesses adopted creative survival strategies. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) launched domestic initiatives like "SingaporeRediscovers" to help sustain the industry. Some hotels adjusted pricing and offerings to attract local travelers. Others implemented cost-saving measures, shifted to contract-based employment, and invested in enhanced hygiene protocols. Government support, such as salary offsets and certification schemes like the Clean, Health, Safety, and Environment (CHSE) certification in Indonesia, also played a crucial role. Subsequently, participants were asked about their perspective on regenerative tourism and its applicability to the region post-COVID. Participants generally equated regenerative tourism with sustainability issues and focused on local community or environmental project their organisations participate in, such as beach cleanups and mangrove replanting. In Singapore, becoming carbon-neutral was also planned by some organisations. The need for a systemic shift in how tourism operates was not acknowledged by the participants. Regenerative tourism appears to be perceived as add-on projects instead of being central to how an organisation operates. Main challenges for regenerative tourism were perceived to be high cost, lack of government directives and the need for stakeholder collaboration. The SIJORI collaboration has long been seen as an opportunity for cross-border tourism growth. However, participants noted that the SIJORI collaboration has lost momentum. The potential benefits of the SIJORI partnership remain, particularly in terms of economic integration and joint marketing efforts. Nevertheless, issues such as differing government priorities, political instability, and cultural differences have impeded more effective cooperation. In the post-Covid19 era, the concept of SIJORI is in a different modus operandi. Previously, the agenda was co-driven by all three national governments and the private sector. The Senai International Airport (Johor, Malaysia) and the Hang Nadim International Airport (Batam, Indonesia) emerged out of this positive outlook of the 1990s onwards. Hence, our findings suggest that the current agenda of regenerative tourism is primarily driven by the private sector within existing travel and immigration frameworks. Despite the challenges, there is cautious optimism about the recovery of tourism in the SIJORI region. Participants emphasise the importance of continued innovation, sustainability, and regional cooperation to ensure long- term recovery and resilience in the face of future disruptions. Nonetheless, a transformation of tourism towards a regenerative paradigm will require ongoing efforts starting from awareness raising.

Item ID:	85830
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
ISBN:	9780645938111
Keywords:	Regenerative tourism, Southeast Asia, COVID-19, cross-border tourism
Copyright Information:	© CAUTHE 2025 All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Date Deposited:	16 Jun 2025 23:00
FoR Codes:	35 COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES > 3508 Tourism > 350801 Impacts of tourism @ 50% 35 COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES > 3508 Tourism > 350803 Tourism management @ 50%
SEO Codes:	11 COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND TOURISM > 1104 Tourism services > 110402 Socio-cultural issues in tourism @ 60% 11 COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND TOURISM > 1101 Environmentally sustainable commercial services and tourism > 110199 Environmentally sustainable commercial services and tourism not elsewhere classified @ 40%
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