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This paper aims to measure the satisfaction level of tourists on the attributes associated with adventure lodges. The Holiday Satisfaction Model (HOLSAT) was used to determine the gaps between the expectations of tourists and the experience on 21 adventure lodges attributes. Results were drawn from a questionnaire survey of 280 Malaysian and international tourists who visited the Tadom Hill Resorts located in Selangor, Malaysia in 2018. Data derived from the analysis was plotted into a two-dimensional graph showing the mean score for expectations (Y-axis) plotted against the mean score of experiences (X-axis). Findings reveal that only three attributes gave the most satisfaction to tourists with a significant level at 0.001, with one attribute showing a significant level of dissatisfaction by the tourists. Therefore, the attributes that failed to satisfy tourists should be further investigated to develop strategies to attract tourists and the development of the adventure tourism industry in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the gender differences in perceived importance and performance of Penang Island attributes. The data was drawn from questionnaire survey of 801 international tourists who visited the island between August and November 2012. Previous studies related to gender differences in Malaysian destinations are found scarce and neglected, thus this paper aims to bridge this knowledge gap. The needs to study gender differences are related to the suggestions that men and women engage in different leisure activities, possess different travel motivations and perceive differently when embarking for holiday. The study found a number of gender similarities and differences between the men and women tourists, in terms of their travel style and perceptions of importance and performance of destination attributes. These results indicate that gender may not be the only influence on behaviour and perceptions, and those men and women should not be regarded as homogenous groups.

The spatial provision of recreational facilities is highly critical. This study aims at assessing the provision and integration of recreational facilities in the Greater-Jos, Nigeria. The effectiveness of policy implementation is determined based on the aspects of accessibility, appropriateness, and performance of stakeholders in the provision of recreational facilities. Multi-method research was adopted where Geographic Information System (GIS), and interviews were conducted. The data were analysed by using ArcGIS, and Atlas.ti8, respectively. By triangulation, the results revealed that the implementation of recreational facilities positively affects the relationship among accessibility appropriateness and stakeholders’ involvement. The findings further show the spatial distribution of the recreational facilities, which are unequally spread within the ten sectors of the Greater Jos. Relating the results to the policy proposed in the Greater Jos Master Plan produced in 2009, the findings are astonishingly conflicting. The implication of is that the policy required revision to account for the new development areas spring up rapidly as well as comprehensive recreational facilities supported by government agencies and private providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have been carried out with regard to seniors in many different tourism contexts over the past three decades. With an aging population, a large number of ‘future’ seniors are beginning to join the senior travel market. However, it is not known whether their travel preferences differ from those of today’s seniors or what types of information sources and accommodations future seniors prefer. Using the Penang Tourist Survey (PTS), this study applied the binomial logit model to pursue a comparative assessment of the travel preferences of golden (over age 50) seniors and future seniors in Penang, Malaysia. The findings showed a significant difference in travel preferences between the groups. The comparison allows the industry to anticipate any necessary changes in marketing strategies to better serve future senior travel customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts for investigating perception towards tourism and its perceived negative impacts have mainly been conducted from the perspective of locals, often ignoring the perception of tourists on the negative environmental outcomes associated with tourism and its link with the perceived importance of sustainable tourism from the eyes of tourists. This study investigated the perception of tourists of the potential impacts of tourism on the natural environment. Additionally, it examined the influence of perceived environmental impacts of tourism on the perceived importance of sustainable tourism. The study model was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) based on data collected from 469 tourists visiting two attractive islands in Malaysia, namely Perhentian Island and Redang Island. Findings of this research revealed that perceived impacts of tourism on vegetation, water quality and wildlife had significant influence on the tourists' perceived importance of sustainable tourism, while the environmental impacts of tourism on soil, sand and rock, air quality and landscape did not have any significant influence on the perceived importance of sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism in this study was limited to environmentally sustainable tourism. Study implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines international visitors' perceived importance and performance of 12 destination attributes of Penang Island using an Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA). The result was drawn from a questionnaire survey of 803 respondents who visited the island between August and November 2012. The importance-performance analysis grids illustrate that Penang Island performs well in six attributes namely 1) safety and security; 2) image of destination; 3) friendliness of the people; 4) variety of tourism attractions; 5) value for money; and 6) accessibility to the destination. The attribute of cultural and historical uniqueness appears to get too much concentration, and five attributes fell into the Low Priority quadrant. Safety and security was found to be the determining attribute for international visitors. Implications and recommendations for Penang managers and marketers were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since engagement of locals plays a key role in the success of any tourism development, understanding how residents perceive sustainable tourism and the ways it is influenced by their perception about environmental impacts of tourism provides researchers, administrators and service providers in tourism sector with invaluable insights. Thus, the current research vies to contribute to the knowledge concerning how local residents in Perhentian and Redang Islands in Malaysia perceive environmental impacts of tourism and the importance of sustainable tourism. Study results reveals that the highest concern about the environmental impacts of tourism was perceived for landscape, air quality, and water quality, respectively. Moreover, by investigating the causal link between perception towards six major environmental impacts of tourism and the perceived importance of sustainable tourism, it was found that only environmental impacts of tourism on air quality and landscape significantly influenced local residents' perceptions about the importance of sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the tourism life cycle of Langkawi Island, Malaysia. The paper seeks to investigate the stages of life cycle that the island has passed through and at what stage the island is in today. Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle model as the research framework to describe the characteristics of each stage of the island’s tourism life cycle and determine the time scale of the stages. The evidence presented in the stages is derived from secondary sources dating from 1642 to present. Findings – The findings indicate that the tourism life cycle in Langkawi Island has undergone four stages of development and that it is currently in the consolidation stage. Numerous characteristics suggested by Butler’s model for each stage are clearly discernible in the island’s tourism growth. The government serves as the major player and catalyst for tourism expansion in the island from one stage to the next. Practical implications – It is hoped that the paper will contribute to a better understanding of how tourism and its market have evolved in Langkawi Island. The paper also provides insights on how future planning should be directed in more sustainable and responsible ways to position the island. Originality/value – The paper delivers a comprehensive understanding on the tourism developmental process of Langkawi Island, besides facilitating the understanding of major fundamental causes and conditions and the accompanying transition in the stages. The paper also bridges the gaps in knowledge addressed in similar previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]