Ecotourism and environmental conservation in small islands in the east coast of peninsular Malaysia
Many small islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia have become wellknown destinations both to foreign as well as local tourists. However, as tourism authorities, hotels and tour operators increasingly focus on mass tourism and economics, environmental degradation and other issues are af...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Environmental Management Society, Malaysia
2009
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/2288/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/2288/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/2288/1/MJEM_2009_4_Chan__ok_.pdf |
| Summary: | Many small islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia have become wellknown
destinations both to foreign as well as local tourists. However, as tourism
authorities, hotels and tour operators increasingly focus on mass tourism and
economics, environmental degradation and other issues are affecting tourism
negatively. In recent decades, Malaysia has realised the need for protection of
environmental attractions and has embarked on many conservation programmes,
but most of them are ad hoc and not sustained. This article examines how
tourists perceive environmental conservation, willingness to pay, reasons for
coming, length of stay, favourite destinations, favourite activities, etc. The results
of questionnaire interviews show that small islands off the east coast of
Peninsular Malaysia are currently facing serious environmental degradation,
with little or no comprehensive conservation, poor enforcement, with no clearcut
vision from the authorities as to their future. The study shows that there is a
need for a well-planned vision of development for the small islands and stricter
control from the authorities. Without better control and implementation of a
vision of sustainable development, it is envisaged that these small islands will
continue to deteriorate and lose their glamour and attractions gradually. They
need to be conserved and stay competitive to survive, given the competition from
islands in neighbouring countries |
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