The survival of an eco-tourism industry: Evidence from the Kg. Kuantan’s firefly tourist attraction

The survival of an ecotourism product depends on the sustainability of both the ecological resource and the tourist inflow. Development activities such as construction of infrastructures are liable to threaten the dynamics of the two variables. This paper examines the impact of a dam construction on the survival of the firefly eco-tourism industry in Kuala Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. A field study was conducted focusing on the socio-economic impact of the Selangor river dam construction on the boat operators and the local community of Kg. Kuantan. A total of 30 boat operators and 80 respondents were involved in the study. The results showed that the operators’ incomes had increased. Although the increase was small at around 3.5% only the survival of the firefly ecotourism nevertheless seemed assured for two main reasons. One, the sustainable number of tourists to the firefly sites, and the other, the endurance of the firefly habitat. Moreover, there were the continued campaigns on the part of the local district authority to promote the Kg. Kuantan firefly as a ‘must see’ tourist destination. In conclusion, this firefly study confirms the hypothesis that the sustainability of both the ecological resource and the tourist inflow determines the survival of an ecotourism project.