Local Communities’ Involvement in Ecotourism around Tanjung Datu National Park : Potentials and Challenges

• Main Authors: Wan Sofiah, Meor Osman, Wan Robiah, Meor Osman, Rosita, Hamdan, Muhammad Asraf, Abdullah, Wong, Swee Kiong, Bistari, Mahmood
• Other Authors: Siti Akmar Khadijah, Ab Rahim
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: UNIMAS Publisher 2024
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General); HT Communities. Classes. Races
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/45245/1/Local%20Communities.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/45245/

The aim of this paper is to explore the potentials and challenges of local communities’ involvement in ecotourism around Tanjung Datu National Park (TDNP). Using three separate interviews, this qualitative study involved three major entities participated in ecotourism activities around TDNP. Interviews were conducted among the local communities (17 participants) and business owners (7 participants) from two villages located at the vicinity of TDNP namely Kg. Telok Serabang and Kg. Telok Melano, as well as both local and international tourists (19 participants) who visited TDNP. The preliminary findings indicate that ecotourism around TDNP has indirectly contributed to livelihoods of local communities. There are potentials and challenges in terms of communities’ involvement for the tourism-based economy to sustain itself.