Eco-tourism and sustainable development: Are community ready?

ABSTRACT Kenyir Geopark development has always been discussed by the State Government and various other agencies to improve the eco-tourism industry at Kenyir Lake. Tourism products and activities have been implemented. The development around Kenyir Lake through multiple agency’s role and policy that is established to disclose how the specialists use aspiration and best practices to achieve sustainable tourism. Conservation and socio-economic approaches are the specific interaction between community and stakeholders, their environments and lead to more viable development outcomes. Data were obtained quantitatively through surveys and qualitatively through interviews combination and document content analysis. The questionnaires were distributed, and 378 people responded. The results indicate that the community knowledge on development is crucial and it requires community cooperation to ensure the success of eco-tourism. Controlling and monitoring from the involved parties are also required. It is hoped that this study will guide the management in achieving its geopark goals.