Developing the PBSPT Nexus Model: A Provisional Framework for Cultural Tourism in Malaysia’s Traditional Performing Arts

This study develops a provisional framework for PBSPT (Pelancongan Budaya Berteraskan Seni Persembahan Traditional), or Cultural Tourism Based on Traditional Performing Arts, to explore its potential in cultural preservation and economic growth within Malaysia’s tourism sector. The framework is structured around six key components: resources (Modal), promotion strategies (Promosi), activities and content (Kandungan/Aktiviti), staffing (Staf), management challenges (Cabaran Pengurusan), and recommendations for improvement (Harapan/Cadangan). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders across four culturally significant Malaysian regions. The findings highlight the need for diversified funding sources, innovative marketing strategies, skilled human resources, and effective management solutions to enhance the sustainability of cultural tourism. By integrating traditional performing arts into tourism development, this provisional PBSPT framework serves as a strategic foundation for future refinement into a comprehensive cultural tourism model, ensuring sustainability, enriched visitor experiences, and the long-term safeguarding of Malaysia’s cultural identity.