Post-COVID-19 Challenges for a Sustainable Community-Based Ecotourism: A Case Study of Rural Community in Sabah, North of Borneo

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted the ecotourism industry significantly. It is imperative to examine and identify the key challenges in running rural ecotourism businesses to comprehend the mindset of the working community members before re-establishing a business model during endemic phase. This study aimed to explore and identify the resources and capabilities challenges perceived by the members of community-based ecotourism located in Marakau Village, Sabah. The study, which took place in 2021, employed a qualitative method through interviews among 10 key members of the Tagal Marakau Association responsible for a tagal ecotourism business. The interview was recorded and transcribed to identify common themes of issues. There was a total of 15 emerging issues: lack of capital, lack of business know-how, shortage of hospitality skills, lack of social capital, poor marketing ability, land dispute, absence of a strategic business model, poor financial planning, poor implementation of human resource practices, inadequate infrastructures, limited customer experiences, high fish habitat maintenance, external competitors, stakeholders support, and liability as a small business venture. These issues collated into five themes of business mindset domains: knowledge, attitude, skills, aspiration, and finance (KASA-F). Identifying the perceived challenges would help to understand the mindset of working rural community members to assist in re-formulating strategic plans for business sustainability in the post-COVID era.

Safety and health measures compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic for community-based tourism in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand: A cross-sectional descriptive study

“…Their adaptive strategies included diversifying offerings, leveraging local resources, and integrating technology like virtual engagements and online promotions [ 30 ]. The study in Marakau Village, Sabah, North of Borneo founded that successful post-COVID-19 management of community-based ecotourism necessitates a holistic approach, encompassing human and natural resource management, strategic planning, collaboration, and adaptability for sustainability and success [ 31 ]. The study in CBT of the Andaman Coast of Thailand showed that key measures addressed included the characteristics of vaccinated tourists, ensuring community readiness by regularly checking service staff for COVID-19, implementing renovations, and designing pandemic-appropriate tourism activities.…”

Approaches, Trends, and Gaps in Community-Based Ecotourism Research: A Bibliometric Analysis of Publications between 2002 and 2022

“…Malaysia stands out for its rich marine resources and wide cultural diversity, making it an exceptional ecotourism destination that has fostered conservation, economic growth, and the quality of life of the local community [75]. Community-based ecotourism in Malaysia has been consolidated through homestay programs with local families, which have boomed since the 1990s, attracting millions of tourists from around the world who want to experience the local culture and exceptional biodiversity up close [76]. On the other hand, Thailand has had various sustainable political projects since 1980 that have allowed the creation of initiatives such as the National Ecotourism Action Plan, the Cooperative Ecotourism Network, the Thai Ecotourism Association, and the Foundation for Environmental Protection and Tourism, from which various community-based ecotourism proposals have emerged [77].…”

Affectation of COVID-19 pandemic on the use and abundance of wild resources in Tabasco, Mexico: A qualitative assessment

“…Until today there is no study that has compared the condition of natural resources before and after a pandemic, so this study would be the first of its type. [ 53 ] study on sustainable rural community-based ecotourism in Sabah, Borneo, is the closest study to quote during the pandemic.…”