A Community-based Geotourism Entrepreneurship: A Case of Kilim Geopark, Malaysia

Mana Khoshkam and Mastura Jaafar
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Mana Khoshkam: Management Department, Faculty of Tourism & Hospitality, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran
Mastura Jaafar: School of Housing, Building and Planning, University of Science Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

International Journal of Social Ecology and Sustainable Development (IJSESD), 2016, vol. 7, issue 4, 47-58

Abstract: Geotourism is a growing industry in Malaysia. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) has included Langkawi's 99 islands in its global geopark network. One of the most popular geopark sites in Langkawi is Kilim Karst, originally developed as a fishing community under the management of the Kilim Community Cooperative Society (KCCS). Following Kilim's recognition as a geopark, the role of the KCCS has evolved to encompass the management of local geotourism activities, ensuring that the community's involvement is consistent with UNESCO's sustainable development benchmarks. This study discusses the role played by geoparks and geotourism in the cooperative community entrepreneurship of local populations. Using the interview method, the authors consider the role of community-based entrepreneurships in developing geotourism in Kilim. With the full cooperation of the local government, the KCCS helps to develop local entrepreneurs who lack fundamental business knowledge. The authors review the performance of the KCCS based on their 2011–2014 annual general meeting report. The results of this review, coupled with the growing number of tourists, reveal the success of the KCCS' commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship. The proceeds of these activities have subsequently been redirected to the diversification of the KCCS' business portfolio for the sustainability of the community.

Date: 2016
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