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1 – 10 of 13Sudesh Prabhakaran, Vikneswaran Nair and Sridar Ramachandran
Waste in the marine environment has become a serious task to be managed. Uncontrolled dumping creates large amounts of methane gas contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Waste in the marine environment has become a serious task to be managed. Uncontrolled dumping creates large amounts of methane gas contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This conceptual paper focuses on the role of community in waste management activities to reduce carbon emissions in the marine environment. Hence, this paper aims to examine using literature, the various roles of community, types of marine waste and its impact on carbon emissions and climate change.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on evaluation and criticism from previous studies and provides a hypothetical understanding of the human contribution to climate change, and its impacts which will increasingly affect climate change and sustainable tourism.
Findings
The results from this study can be used as a guide for policy makers to help improve community participation and public engagement in efforts to reduce the levels of waste in the marine environment. This is especially critical in rural tourism destinations where the impact of uncontrolled marine waste has serious consequences for the tourism industry.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to a better understanding of the role of community in mitigating waste to attain a higher quality of tourism experience and environmental benefits from emission level reductions.
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Sudesh Prabhakaran, Vikneswaran Nair and Sridar Ramachandran
The aim of this paper is to examine the various indicators of marine waste management and its adaptability to the tourism industry in Semporna District, Sabah. Marine waste…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to examine the various indicators of marine waste management and its adaptability to the tourism industry in Semporna District, Sabah. Marine waste management was identified as a serious concern in Semporna, specifically the increase in general and hazardous waste and the lack of waste reduction activities. Selected waste management indicators can help to support information‐based decision making in many levels of tourism planning and management.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a critical review of previous studies. It provides a theoretical understanding for readers to recognize the indicators used in marine waste management in the context of managing the environment in tourism destinations.
Findings
This paper provides an overview of the environmental indicators widely used in waste management of marine and island destinations and identifies indicators with potential for application in Semporna and islands off the coast of Semporna.
Practical implications
The paper provides vital information to assist the local government select suitable indicators to alleviate marine waste management in Semporna, Sabah.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to a better understanding of marine waste available management indicators in the tourism environment. The use of these dependable measurements should serve as a “report card” for each marine tourism site in the country.
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This article aims to provide a case study of rural tourism in the island of Labuan, Malaysia from the broadcasting and business perspectives. It explores the collective social…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to provide a case study of rural tourism in the island of Labuan, Malaysia from the broadcasting and business perspectives. It explores the collective social responsibilities of the local stakeholders and the related local authorities.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a mixed mode of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and a framework of the five dimensions of sustainable rural tourism and corporate social responsibility to explain how radio broadcasting and the business communities' initiatives are socially responsible towards tourism.
Findings
The research reveals that locals and stakeholders receive sufficient information from the media, especially Labuanfm, but stakeholders could be more responsible and efficient in channeling the required information for the continued sustenance of rural homestay tourism as a viable economic activity.
Practical implications
The study recommends that stakeholders offer additional commitment as formal assistance for homestay entrepreneurs is not a healthy option in the face of competitive development of modern hotel accommodation.
Originality/value
For the first time, an evaluation of stakeholders' CSR has been undertaken. This study should raise government awareness of Labuan's rural livelihood and the need for a communication strategy that disseminates an actionable communication plan.
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May-Ling Siow, Sridar Ramachandran, Ahmad Shuib and Syamsul Herman Mohammad Afandi
This study aims to assess the possibility of adapting evidence-based policies in the daily operations of tour operators in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. This intervention is…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the possibility of adapting evidence-based policies in the daily operations of tour operators in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. This intervention is important, as on-site investigations reveal that operators are operating their businesses with little reference to the ecotourism policy guidelines.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a full qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted on tour operators in Semporna, while text mining was used to elicit data from the Malaysian National Ecotourism Plan. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data from the primary sources.
Findings
Gaps were evident between best practices guidelines from the National Ecotourism Plan and the day-to-day practices of tour operators in Semporna, Sabah. This was due to the limitations of the National Ecotourism Plan and the limitations of the operators in identifying and adhering to best practices; the impracticality of best practices in site-specific scenarios; and the benefit of adapting evidence-based practices (ECP) in Semporna, Sabah.
Practical implications
The implications of this study include a plan to bring forth a non-parochial and innovative approach in rural tourism policymaking process and to advocate evidence-based intervention through the inclusion and participation of stakeholders.
Originality/value
This study contributes towards the requisite of evidence-based intervention for rural tourism policies to meet site-specific needs.
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Vikneswaran Nair and Kashif Hussain
The main aim of this paper is to critically review the contribution made by this theme issue to the literature by examining contemporary innovations that are emerging and…
Abstract
Purpose
The main aim of this paper is to critically review the contribution made by this theme issue to the literature by examining contemporary innovations that are emerging and enhancing responsible rural tourism practices in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the theme issue, a critical content analysis of the papers selected for the issue was undertaken.
Findings
The summary paper generally highlights all emerging and innovative approaches from various case studies in rural tourism destinations in Malaysia.
Research limitations/implications
The complex and dynamic realities of rural tourism are both a challenge and an opportunity for responsible governance of rural tourism destinations.
Originality/value
The current theme issue explores emerging models from stakeholders' perspectives to enhance the concept of rural tourism sustainability in the context of the economy, social and environment.
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Syamsul Herman bin Mohammad Afandi, Zaiton Samdin and Ahmad bin Shuib
The study aims to conduct a critical analysis of available economic tools to value non‐market rural tourism products and services, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of these…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to conduct a critical analysis of available economic tools to value non‐market rural tourism products and services, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of these tools.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews existing valuation methods to better understand how estimates of rural tourism products and services are conducted. The paper also critically evaluates the applicability of these methods.
Findings
The study concludes that the selection of a method is mainly based on applicability of the approach. In assessing the non‐market value of rural tourism products and services, a method is selected by identifying its strengths and weaknesses. A review of previous studies suggests the evaluation of the practicality of each method according to the topic studied.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to a better understanding of available valuation approaches that give reliable estimates on non‐market rural tourism products and services.
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Natalie King and Vikneswaran Nair
The aim of this article is to explore wildlife value orientation (WVO) beliefs of community members involved in the Miso Walai Homestay program in Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this article is to explore wildlife value orientation (WVO) beliefs of community members involved in the Miso Walai Homestay program in Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah.
Design/methodology/approach
The researcher utilized the qualitative method of thematic analysis and the sampling technique of purposive/judgemental method which reached saturation point at 16 respondents, who were all local community employees of the Miso Walai Homestay program. A total of 13 semi‐structured questions were posed to all interviewees in their native Bahasa Melayu language or English.
Findings
Interviewees expressed preference for viewing wild species not in enclosed structures but in their natural habitat. This was also the view of tourists in the homestay program. This community recognizes that community‐based ecotourism can be a means of habitat protection and income for both wildlife protection and the local community.
Originality/value
This case study may not only contribute to an increased satisfaction level of tourists with the overall experience, but also to the attraction of new tourists, searching for a participatory role by simply choosing a homestay accommodation or physically contributing to conservation activities.
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Mastura Jaafar, Kalsom Kayat, Tania Maria Tangit and Mohd Firdous Yacob
It has been acknowledged that tourism can play a role in employment creation and in raising the rural community's standard of living. This paper aims to examine the economic…
Abstract
Purpose
It has been acknowledged that tourism can play a role in employment creation and in raising the rural community's standard of living. This paper aims to examine the economic benefits emanating from tourism development for a local community in the area of Kinabalu National Park, Sabah.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data was used to provide an in‐depth analysis of the findings on willingness of residents to participate in tourism activities.
Findings
The local community of Kinabalu National Park perceive the tourism sector to have greatly contributed to their economic growth. However, the community has raised other issues in ensuring the sustainability of the park, especially in terms of the provision of facilities.
Practical implications
The relevant stakeholders need to carefully plan appropriate policies and regulations to ensure maximum economic benefit is gained by local community participation in tourism development within the limited carrying capacity of Kinabalu National Park.
Originality/value
This study provides an understanding of the economic impact of tourism on the local community in Kinabalu National Park. It calls for government action to look into the carrying capacity of the Kinabalu National Park in the near future.
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Nurbaidura Salim, Azizi Bahauddin and Badaruddin Mohamed
This study aims to examine the relationship between recreation specialization and diver's underwater behavior in Perhentian Island.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between recreation specialization and diver's underwater behavior in Perhentian Island.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using a pilot survey on 50 divers in Perhentian Island. In‐depth interviews with several dive operators were also conducted to support the findings.
Findings
Specialized divers tend to recognize unacceptable behavior rather than less specialized divers. Skilled specialized divers tend not to touch the reefs and not to collect dead pieces of the corals compared to less skilled divers.
Practical implications
Specialization and skills of divers can be used as an input to study diver underwater behavior while simultaneously providing insights on coral preservation.
Originality/value
It is important to manage diver behavior as there are now several diving operators who offer unlimited diving packages catering to day and night diving from shore. Divers can minimize their impacts by practicing responsible diving behavior. Measures emanating from this study on diver underwater behavior may be implemented to encourage responsible scuba diving activity among divers and ensure longevity of the coral reefs.
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