TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MANAGEMENT IN MALAYSIA
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Authors:
• Siti Nabiha AK, email: unknown, Afiliation: School of Management, University Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800 Penang, Malaysia
• N Abdul Wahid, email: unknown, Afiliation: Wahid School of Management, University Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800 Penang, Malaysia
• A Amran, email: unknown, Afiliation: School of Management, University Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800 Penang, Malaysia
• H Che Haat, email: unknown, Afiliation: School of Management, University Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800 Penang, Malaysia
• I Abustan, email: unknown, Afiliation: School of Civil Engineering, engineering campus University Sains Malaysia -
Keywords: Environmental policy, Local Agenda 21, Malaysia, Sustainable tourism, Tourism policy
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Abstract:
Tourism industry is a key foreign exchange earner for Malaysia, contributing to over 40% of the country’s balance of payment in 2005 (EPU, 2006). The industry provides an important source of income, employment and wealth to the country. Thus, there is a need to ensure that the tourism industry remains both environmentally and economically sustainable. However massive influx of tourists can also cause a detrimental environmental impact. Industry players and improper strategies in attracting more tourists could also add further destruction to the environment. Protection of the environment is vital in ensuring the sustainability of the industry. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the issues pertaining to sustainable tourism development in Malaysia. In so doing, policies, regulations and strategies to achieve sustainable tourism will be examined. The paper concludes with the arguments for having local agenda for sustainable tourism in Malaysia.