The COVID-19 outbreak has caused a global turmoil which restricted movement and consequently, diminishing domestic and international travel. One that is severely affected is ecotourism in National Parks, that involves visiting fragile, pristine and undisturbed natural areas. One of the major concerns for ecotourists in destination decision-making is travel risk that could affect their safety. This study aims to examine their risk perception and how it affects the behaviour of ecotourists in Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia. The data was collected from 406 respondents and analysed using structural equation modelling. It is concluded that risk perception affects tourists' decision-making, whereby health and safety information preference is the strongest predictor, and media's influence has a very significant connection. This study has the potential of contributing to the management of ecotourism destinations in times of crisis. It also fills the literature gap on risk perceptions of ecotourists' during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tourism sector has developed over the years as one of the main contributors to the nation's socio-economy. However, tourism has also said to be the cause of the depletion of the natural environment especially the marine ecosystem due to the irresponsible behavior of tourists. There is a growing interest in understanding the impact of tourism towards the sustainability of a particular ecotourism destination, thus this study aims to examine the drivers of tourists' intention to behave in an environmentally responsible manner specifically in marine parks. This study utilizes the responsible environmental behavior model with the addition of consumption values theory and destination image in hope to provide a more comprehensive explanation. A researcher-administered face-to-face survey was conducted among 103 tourists and analysed using partial least squares technique. The results empirically revealed that environmental knowledge and destination image significantly influenced the tourists' intention to behave in an environmentally responsible manner. Thus, in fostering a more responsible behavior among tourists, more emphasis can be placed on enhancing their knowledge while capitalizing on the destination's image.
Non-market techniques such as Travel Cost Method (TCM) and Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) are commonly used to estimate the economic benefits of outdoor recreation. This study applied the CVM, with Willingness to Pay (WTP) as the elicitation method, to investigate the pattern of willingness to pay among visitors of Taman Negara National Park (TNNP). In applying CVM, the respondents were asked on the maximum amount they were willing to pay to enter this park. Data were obtained using closed-ended questionnaires through interview. About 196 visitors were involved in the study. This study used multiple regressions (MR) to investigate factors that determine WTP for entrance permit in TNNP. This study found that the WTP was positively related to several important factors; and these factors include nationality, income, education and marital status. All these factors can help to explain the WTP for entrance permit at TNNP. Approach in determining WTP for entrance permit will help park authorities to be more financially self-sufficient. In addition, it will generate more income, and thus more efficiency in operating and maintaining the national parks.
Development of forest plantation is mainly intended to provide income opportunity and to ensure the improvement of the socioeconomics of society. Sabah Softwood Berhad (SSB) is one of the private companies that pioneered the development and commercialization of fast growing timber species and forest plantation. The Eucalyptus plantation in SSB was initiated in response to the emergence of fungal disease that implicated the environment. Nevertheless, the impacts of plantation to the environment regarding water use, soil erosion, nutrient loss, pest and disease, biodiversity, soil quality and hydrology are reviewed. The disputes among various scientists over the physiological and plantation aspects of Eucalyptus, especially their implication towards the environment are also discussed. This paper aims to present information on the impacts posed by the Eucalyptus plantation that will guide the planters and policy makers in facilitating a management plan to mitigate the impacts of this species to the environment.
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