Balancing environmental, community, and cultural preservation through sustainable tourism
As the demand for Muslim-friendly experiences surges, destinations like Malaysia are embracing the opportunity to align themselves with the values and preferences of this growing market segment. At the same time, there is a growing interest in and preference for sustainable tourism within the broader tourist market, including Muslim travellers.
This scenario – the growing demand for Muslim-friendly tourism and sustainable tourism – comes as an interesting opportunity for tourism players as both tourism segments intersect on fundamental principles that serve to reinforce Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) elements within the industry.
By understanding and recognising of how these two tourism segments overlap, these players can find new ways to grow and stand out in the market.
Sustainable Tourism & Environmental Protection Society (Eco-STEPS Malaysia) President Kingston Khoo points out that Malaysia’s tourism industry has been slow in embracing sustainability compared to other sectors. But Eco-STEPS Malaysia is on a mission to change that narrative.
Their goal is simple yet profound: to raise awareness and act to make tourism in Malaysia more sustainable.
Khoo emphasised the multifaceted nature of sustainability, extending beyond environmental conservation.
“Equally crucial as environmental conservation, sustainability also encompasses the local community development and preservation of cultural heritage.
“So, at Eco-STEPS Malaysia, we actively promote activities and awareness campaigns that support local community development and preservation of cultural heritage. We also offer training programmes based on international standards for sustainable tourism.”
Eco-STEPS Malaysia, said Khoo, aims to educate tourists and tourism industry players about the importance of protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and preserving cultural heritage. They believe that by championing these causes, Malaysia can create a tourism industry that benefits everyone.
PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS
Khoo highlighted that adopting sustainability practices should not be daunting but a journey marked by gradual yet meaningful progress. He offered several practical tips, including:
- Taking Sustainability Seriously in a Fun Way: Instead of seeing it as a chore, consider sustainability an exciting opportunity for innovation and creativity. By infusing sustainability initiatives with elements of fun and interest, employees and guests will be more engaged and eager to participate.
- Start Small, Grow Gradually: Sustainability doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavour. Instead, start with small, manageable practices and gradually add more over time. Minor changes can have a significant impact when multiplied across the industry.
- Establishing a Sustainability Team: Gather a group of passionate people to focus on sustainability. Leverage the ideas and skills of employees who are enthusiastic about sustainability to develop creative solutions tailored to your business.
- Learning About International Standards: Learn about global sustainability guidelines and standards. Following these standards helps you measure and improve your sustainability efforts, ensuring alignment with global best practices and enhancing credibility among eco-conscious travellers.
FUTURE-PROOFING MALAYSIA’S TOURISM
Khoo offered compelling reasons why embracing sustainable practices is crucial for the future of tourism in Malaysia.
“Firstly, it’s the right thing to do. It’s simple; if we care about our planet and future generations, we must prioritise sustainability.
“Next is wider market reach. Sustainability is a big deal for many travellers. When we implement eco-friendly practices, we appeal to a wider range of tourists who love culture, nature, and unique experiences. This means more people will visit and enjoy Malaysia’s treasures.
“Destination preservation. By being sustainable, we help keep our destinations intact from environmental damage and worth visiting. After all, without beautiful places to visit, tourism businesses wouldn’t have much to offer.
“Sustainable practices also help address risks. It helps recognise and address all impacts of tourism. To either minimise and/or prevent adverse impacts while maximising encouraging ones to benefit hospitality and tourism destinations effectively.
“Lastly is cost savings. While it costs more upfront to be sustainable, it saves money in the long term. Things like using less energy and producing less waste help the environment and cut down on costs for businesses.”– RnR
