Sustainable rural tourism has emerged as an important strategy for promoting rural development, community well-being, and environmental conservation in Malaysia. This study reviews contemporary literature to examine the relationship between sustainable rural tourism practices and community empowerment. Relevant studies published between 2021 and 2025 were identified through major academic databases and analyzed using a thematic review approach. The findings reveal that environmental sustainability, economic participation, socio-cultural preservation, governance effectiveness, and digital transformation are key factors influencing sustainable tourism outcomes. The review further highlights the importance of community participation, entrepreneurial development, indigenous inclusion, and capacity-building initiatives in strengthening local empowerment and tourism resilience. Despite the growing potential of rural tourism, several challenges remain, including limited digital competencies, inadequate marketing capabilities, governance constraints, and unequal access to development opportunities. The evidence suggests that successful rural tourism development requires a balanced approach that integrates economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social inclusiveness. Strengthening stakeholder collaboration, institutional support, and technological readiness can further enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of rural tourism destinations. This review contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing an integrative framework that supports policymakers, practitioners, and local communities in advancing sustainable rural tourism development and community empowerment in Malaysia.
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