Island hopping: A sustainable tourism product?

• Main Authors: Mohd Nor, Nor Ashikin, Mohd Shariff, Nurhazani
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2004
• Subjects: GV Recreation Leisure
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/3743/1/Is.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/3743/

An island has always been associated with beautiful sceneries, white beaches, calm, blue seas, a perfect place for relaxation for families and those who want to have a break from daily routine. Islands around the world have been utilizing their natural assets to attract tourists and visitors to spend some days to experience what they could offer. Besides offering a place for relaxation for tourists, tourism offers so much opportunity for the island and its occupants in the aspects of economy, environment, social and culture. For instances, tourism offers employment for the local people, beautiful environment and friendly images of the place. This, is the business of tourism where tourism experiences being traded. Nevertheless, in the process of gaining economic benefits, some operators may have overlooked their responsibilities in sustaining the resources of the island destination. The exploitation of such resources without any effort to maintain them will lead to harmful effects in the long run. Thus, it is essential to discuss the concept of sustainability and its relation to tourism. In addition, this paper tackles issues of 'island hopping' as a potential sustainable tourism product by adopting the concept of sustainability in its operational management. It does offer some recommendations for island-hopping operators and policy makers to embrace strategies in sustaining the tourism product and natural resources.