BIMP-EAGA Journal for Sustainable Tourism Development

Evaluating the Impacts of Community-Based Tourism on Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Darau Wetland Eco-Tourism, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Mohamad Syahrul Nizam Ibrahim — 2026-01-19

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.

Ecotourism Development in the Darau Wetlands, Sabah: Key Success Factors

Awangku Hassanal Bahar Pengiran Bagul — 2026-01-19

The Darau Wetlands in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, serve as a critical nexus for community-based ecotourism (CBET), integrating high-value biodiversity with indigenous cultural heritage. This research evaluates the site’s operational efficacy and community engagement through the lens of Pengiran Bagul’s (1999) Ecotourism Success Factor Framework, assessing environmental, social, economic, and governance dimensions. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the study utilized semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, focus group discussions (FGDs), and longitudinal field observations. The findings indicate that the success of ecotourism in Kampung Darau is anchored in a multi-stakeholder ecosystem characterized by robust community cohesion, strategic institutional partnerships, and proactive environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the results highlight that local leadership and livelihood diversification are pivotal in translating conservation efforts into socio-economic resilience. By emphasizing the synergy between grassroots agency and external institutional support, this study argues for a collaborative governance model as the baseline for sustainable growth. Ultimately, the Darau Wetlands model provides a scalable and replicable framework for community-managed wetland ecotourism across the BIMP-EAGA region and tropical wetland corridors.

Sports Tourism Driven from Cycling Event: Building Towards Positive Socio Economic Impacts

Fahmi Ibrahim — 2026-01-19

Sports tourism is a dynamic and evolving sector within the broader travel and leisure industry, characterized by the intersection of sports and recreation with travel experiences. In recent years, the global landscape of tourism has witnessed a significant shift, as more and more travelers seek immersive and active engagements during their holidays. Sports enthusiasts are increasingly becoming active participants, traveling across borders to participate in or witness their favourite sports events. This surge in interest has given rise to a multifaceted phenomenon known as sports tourism, which encompasses a wide array of activities, events, and destinations tailored to cater to the diverse interests of sports enthusiasts. From marquee international sporting events such as the Olympics and World Cup to niche experiences like cycling, adventure sports destinations, sports tourism has carved out a niche that transcends traditional boundaries. The appeal lies not only in the thrill of competition but also in the cultural, social, and recreational aspects associated with these events. As a result, sports tourism has emerged as a powerful economic force, driving tourism revenues, promoting local development, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and enhancing health and wellbeing. This study aims to delve into the various dimensions of sports tourism, exploring its impact on local economies, its role in promoting cultural exchange, and the challenges and opportunities it presents for both destination hosts and sports enthusiasts. The focus of the study is in the context of cycling event that was organized in Miri, Sarawak as a case study by adopting quantitative survey research mixed with open ended questions to capture qualitative data By examining the symbiotic relationship between sports and tourism of the case study, we can gain insights into the evolving dynamics of this vibrant industry and its potential to shape the future of this region travel experiences.

Greening Hospitality: The Transformational Impact of Environmental Initiatives and Customer Eco-Pressure on Operational Excellence in Malaysia

Mei Xuen Lim — 2026-01-19

The growing global emphasis on sustainability has led to an increasing integration of eco-friendly practices in various industries, including hospitality, where understanding how environmental initiatives and eco-friendly customer pressure influence operational performance has become essential for businesses aiming to remain competitive. This study examined the impact of environmental initiatives and eco-friendly customer pressure on operational excellence in Malaysia's hospitality sector. As sustainability became a global trend, understanding how green practices influenced operational performance was essential for businesses aiming to remain competitive. The research employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyse data from 288 respondents, offering a comprehensive view of how various environmental practices affected operational outcomes. The findings revealed that environmental performance incentives, green product innovation, and eco-friendly customer pressure significantly influenced operational performance. Environmental performance incentives were found to improve operational performance by encouraging more efficient, sustainable practices. Green product innovation emerged as a main factor, positively impacting operational performance by promoting creativity and differentiation through environmentally conscious offerings. Additionally, eco-friendly customer pressure was identified as a critical driver, with increasing consumer demand for sustainability pushing businesses to enhance operational practices. These results have both practical and theoretical implications. Practically, they emphasised the importance of integrating environmental initiatives into operations, showing that sustainability could improve operational performance, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage. Theoretically, the study enriched the literature by providing empirical evidence of the connection between environmental initiatives and operational excellence in Malaysia's hospitality industry. This research offered valuable insights for practitioners and researchers exploring the relationship between sustainability and business performance. Ultimately, the study suggested that hospitality businesses must not only meet but also anticipate customer demands for eco-friendly practices to ensure long-term success and contribute to broader environmental goals.