Evaluating the Impacts of Community-Based Tourism on Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Darau Wetland Eco-Tourism, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Keywords:
Community-based tourism; eco-tourism; sustainable development; Sabah; inclusivityAbstract
This study explores the impacts of community-based tourism (CBT) on the well-being of residents in Darau Wetland Eco-Tourism, located in Sabah, Malaysia. Using a concurrent mixed-methods approach, both quantitative surveys (n = 33) and qualitative interviews with key informants were conducted to assess the sociocultural, economic, and environmental outcomes. The findings show that tourism has enhanced cultural pride, diversified income, and increased environmental awareness, with initiatives such as mangrove rehabilitation and waste management promoting collective stewardship. While challenges like limited capital and seasonal income persist, the community perceives the benefits of tourism to outweigh the drawbacks, with high ratings for social cohesion and cultural satisfaction. Environmental management and development control were identified as key priorities for sustainability. The study concludes that Darau’s eco-tourism model illustrates how community-driven initiatives can simultaneously promote livelihood improvement and conservation, contributing to sustainable regional development in emerging tourism areas.
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