Factors of tourists’ perspective and awareness of insects based on demographics distribution in the tropical ecosystem

• Main Authors: Gao Le, Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim, Kalsum M. Yusah, Mahadimenakbar Mohamed Dawood, Homathevi Rahman, Nazirah Mustaffa, Nordiana Mohd Nordin, Akmar Abdul Aziz
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English
• Published: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Press 2021
• Subjects: G154.9-155.8 Travel and state. Tourism; QL461-599.82 Insects
• Online Access: https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/30708/1/Factors%20of%20tourists%E2%80%99%20perspective%20and%20awareness%20of%20insects%20based%20on%20demographics%20distribution%20in%20the%20tropical%20ecosystem-Abstract.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/30708/2/Factors%20of%20tourists%E2%80%99%20perspective%20and%20awareness%20of%20insects%20based%20on%20demographics%20distribution%20in%20the%20tropical%20ecosystem.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/30708/; https://ejournal.ukm.my/serangga/article/view/48778

Entomological ecotourism has developed in to a modern day definition. The promotion of entomological ecotourism makes people gaining a better understanding of insects when they participate d such activity . Depending on the eco tour context , one may learn about a particular insects role in the ecosystem, insects connections with other wildlife, or the plants they depend on . Several studies reported the general preference of insects . However there is still a lack of research for understanding the reason for similarities and differences in insects perception s as a tourism product from a cultural aspect. This research aimed to study the key factors that affect tourists awareness and perception of insects based on their demographic profiles. The researcher used questionnaires surveys and interviews f or data collection. The outcomes are illustrated in the form of conceptual map, quadrant report, spider web configuration as well as tables . Th is cross cultural study shows that there is little difference in perception and awareness between Malaysian and Non Malaysian respondents. Respondents also show three main factors such as Knowledge ’’, Experience and ‘Appearance’ that may cause different perceptions of insects other than their cultural background. Even though there are no significant differences between the respondents’ perceptions of insects, there are still some items among the respondents’ perceptions need to be considered. These items include the respondents’ perspective on diversity, behaviors, life cycle, and insects' appearance. Therefore , getting people to participate in entomological ecotourism, insects that fit tourists requirements such as beautiful, rare, and attractive, needs to be focused on Hence, the findings are significant to share to ensure proper management of insects through entomological ecotourism or entotourism.