Nature-based tourism is an important part of the global tourism industry, and its components and features vary considerably from one destination to another. In Malaysia, location, quality and quantity of natural resources, and their infrastructure have not been well documented in the past. Thus, this paper attempts to assess local community-based management for potential ecotourism in South Kelantan which is Gunung Reng, Jeli as case study. The study investigated the local community involvement in managing Gunung Reng as tourist spot at their place. The instrument used during the survey was a semi-structured questionnaire. Community analysis were carried out and based on data collected using face-to-face questionnaire interviews with the villages and community leader. The findings of the study is hoped to be beneficial to the government agencies in order to obtain a better understanding of the unique characteristics of people and will use this information as an input for their planning strategies to develop and implement a community-based tourism in Gunung Reng for better living conditions for the community people. The location is suitable for outdoor activities such as jungle trekking, hiking, swimming and fishing. The main objective of this study was to determine local community involvement in resource protection for ecotourism through a collaborative management arrangement. The findings of the study provide support for the involvement of local community in Gunung Reng management such as the Gunung Rengs’ land management, protection of Gunung Reng resources, ecotourism practices and its overall development.
Introduction
1. Tourism and nature-based tourism
Tourism has grown rapidly to become one of the world’s foremost economic phenomena. The industry, which encompasses transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, and recreation and entertainment is currently the second largest GDP contributing industry for Malaysia. According to official
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