Open AccessBEST PRACTICES AMONGST TOUR OPERATORS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN PULAU PAYAR
Author(s) -
Mohd Fairus Saad,
Suraiyati Rahman
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
planning malaysia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1675-6215
pISSN - 0128-0945
DOI - 10.21837/pm.v19i19.1063
Subject(s) - sustainability , environmental resource management , thematic analysis , business , best practice , thematic map , biodiversity , environmental planning , qualitative research , geography , ecology , environmental science , management , sociology , social science , cartography , economics , biology
A beautiful island, pristine natural environment and abundant marine biodiversity essentially attract segmented tourists to visit marine parks in Malaysia. The marine protected areas (MPAs) in Malaysia are bound to comply with the regulations and guidelines in ensuring the sustainability of the marine ecosystem. However, studies focusing on environmental best practices amongst tour operators in MPAs are limited. Hence, this study attempts to examine environmental management practices amongst the tour operators in Pulau Payar. A qualitative method was adopted using observation and a semi-structured interview with registered tour operators in the designated area. Fifteen respondents participated in the interview. Based on thematic analysis, this study revealed that the tour operators’ operating services in Pulau Payar had implemented best practices on environmental approaches using the following: Educate Visitors on Environmental Awareness (1), Using Environmentally Friendly Equipment (2) Conservation Efforts (3) and Waste Management and Amenities (4). In addition, the findings showed that the tour operators play an essential role in educating the tourists and role models to protect the environment.