Boat operators of Kilim Geopark, Langkawi - profiles, business practices and perception towards tourists
Geopark as a special tourism product has encouraged high-income economy with a lower impact on natural resources. Local community is becoming more involved and actively participating in the development of geopark, thereby taking the opportunity to enhance their social economic activities. The lo...
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Main Authors: | , |
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Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
Language: | English |
Published: |
2013
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://eprints.usm.my/34982/1/HBP16.pdf http://eprints.usm.my/34982/ |
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Summary: | Geopark as a special tourism product has encouraged high-income economy
with a lower impact on natural resources. Local community is becoming
more involved and actively participating in the development of geopark,
thereby taking the opportunity to enhance their social economic activities.
The local community engagement and participation in tourism sector is
crucial particularly to provide employment opportunities for local residents.
Data for this study is gathered via questionnaire administered using census
method conducted through postal services on 26 respondents selected from
boat operators who registered under the cooperative community Kilim
Village Langkawi Berhad in July 2012. The purpose of this study is to
evaluate the profile information of boat operators in Kilim Geopark.
Subsequent, this study was to examine the business details as well as to
analyse the pattern of tourist arrivals at Kilim Geopark. Their involvement
as boat operators is seen as a good way to raise living standards and thus
reducing poverty among its population. The authorities should take the
initiative in developing the tourism industry in the Kilim Geopark without
prejudice to the adverse effects on the economy, society and environment.
The finding showed the majority of 18 people (85.7%) of boat operators
started the business with RM0 to RM75, 000. The study revealed that 10
people (47.6%) of boat operators earned RM1001 to RM2000 monthly
income. According to the boat operators, the highest tourist visiting Kilim is
in June and November. For the Arab countries, 47.6% of respondents
expressed the highest visit in June while 19% of respondent state the highest
number of European tourists recorded in January and June. This study also
showed 10 people (47.6%) of respondents indicated the concentration of
tourist visiting the Kilim Geopark during school holidays. This study
concludes that the success of a program to encourage entrepreneurs to
venture into business operations should be supported by strengthening the
background and their identities, as well as business management skills and
leadership. |
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