Sustainable tourism development in Malacca: Tourists perspective

Sustainable tourism as an important component of service sector in Malaysia has increasingly generated much of the country s revenue. Therefore, this activity needs to be strengthened by incorporating the principles of sustainable development. The objective of this article is to analyse sustainable tourism in Malacca from tourists’ perspective. UNESCO has recognised the state of Malacca as a world heritage site. The present study chose the state as a case with special reference to tourism sites located in and around Alor Gajah, Malacca City and Ayer Keroh. Using observation method, this study recorded tourists’ behaviour, as well as the cultural and architectural elements that present in the communities and the state of infrastructural provision of these tourism sites. In addition, a questionnaire survey was also carried out over 140 respondents among tourists on the sites to collect information regarding their perception on sustainable tourism. Result of the study showed that most of the tourists chose Malacca as their destination for a family vacation. This was mainly due to the presence of many national heritages and well known historical sites in the state. Heritage buildings such as the A-Famosa, Stadhuys and the towns’ traditional shophouses were well maintained. Their aesthetic values were also still intact. So did the cultural tradition of Kampung Morten such as their folk dances, batiks, musics and puppet shows which still attract tourists. To the tourists, particularly those directly involved in tourism activities as traders, homestay operators and tourist guides, were very kind and friendly. However, most tourists were of the opinion that, apart from well maintained traditional buildings and other cultural heritages, the state of infrastructural provision and urban cleanliness still need much improvement to attain a high level of sustainable tourism.