Creating an innocuous mangrove ecosystem: Understanding the influence of ecotourism products from Malaysian and international perspectives

Abstract

The uniqueness of the mangrove habitat has contributed to the economic development of a number of countries, through the expansion of ecotourism activities, including in Malaysia. Careful consideration is crucial for ensuring mangrove ecosystems are well preserved and protected through ecotourism activities. Studies have highlighted that incongruous ecotourism products have led to failures in the ecotourism industry. Therefore to support both economic development and efforts to conserve mangrove ecosystems, this study has sought to support the establishment of a highly influential ecotourism product for Malaysia's national, local and international mangrove ecotourism industries. An ecotourism product is comprised of a physical product, activities, and facilities and services. Activities are the most influential of the mangrove ecotourism products. Physical products and activities are greatly prominent in Malaysia. In particular, physical products are commonly selected by local visitors as being important for encouraging them to visit, while activities are mostly selected by local and national visitors. Most facilities and services appeal to Malaysians, while very individual sets of facilities and services appeal to international visitors. Findings have confirmed that highly influential ecotourism products for mangrove ecotourism are safe for the mangrove ecosystem. This finding is significant for economic development, and also for conservation efforts regarding the mangrove ecosystem.