Measuring the Development of Heritage Tourism based on the Sustainable Tourism Indicators in Central Melaka

Abstract

This article discusses the use of the sustainability concept in the development of heritage tourism conducted in Bandar Melaka lately. The study was conducted on the local community knowledge of the development that took place around the city of Melaka and its implications on the environment and historic buildings. The objective of the study is to identify the level of knowledge of the population, tourism development and the impact of tourism development on the sustainability of heritage tourism based on the Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism in Bandar Melaka. A total of 382 respondents living around Bandar Melaka were selected as respondents for the study. Data were collected using a simple random sampling method through a questionnaire form and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Overall, the level of knowledge of local people about the development of heritage tourism in Central Melaka is high (M = 3.92, SP = 0.37), the level of change in the development of heritage tourism is high (M = 3.67, SP = 0.26) while the impact of tourism development on the sustainability of heritage tourism was also at a high level (M = 4.07, SP = 0.17). In conclusion, changes in tourism development affect the sustainability of heritage tourism in Central Melaka. The implications of this study can be used as a guideline for the Melaka State Government and Local Authorities in planning the development of sustainable heritage tourism based on the Sustainable Tourism Guidelines.