From Border Market to Nature-Based Tourism Destination: A Strategic Assessment and Policy Direction for Wang Kelian, Perlis
List of Authors
Rajesvare K D Rada
Keyword
Nature-Based Tourism (NBT), Sustainable Tourism, Wang Kelian, Ecotourism, Malaysia.
Abstract
Lucas (1985) defined the concept of nature-based tourism (NBT) as a tourism activity centred around natural areas that generates minimal negative impacts on the environment and socio-economic aspects. NBT remains underdeveloped in Malaysia despite its vast ecological potential and government initiatives in developing eco-tourism in the country. This preliminary research examines Wang Kelian, Perlis—a region rich in biodiversity yet underexplored as an ecotourism destination—to identify gaps and opportunities in promoting sustainable NBT. While Malaysia possesses diverse natural attractions, including tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, and unique flora and fauna (Razak, 2018; Marzuki et al., 2014), it still lags behind the regional competitors in NBT development, despite projections valuing the sector at USD 14.4 billion by 2027 (World Bank). The study addresses key challenges, including the need to balance tourism growth with conservation to prevent overtourism, while positioning Wang Kelian as a high-end niche destination, through a systematic analysis of secondary data, including government reports, academic literature, tourism policies, and existing case studies on comparable destinations The research objectives include: (1) assessing Wang Kelian’s potential as an NBT hub, (2) identifying gaps and opportunities in its development, and (3) proposing a strategic recommendation for sustainable growth. Additionally, the paper emphasises the necessity of integrating national tourism policies, stakeholder collaboration, technological adoption, and governance to elevate Malaysia’s status as a premier sustainable tourism destination.