Production and Consumption of Tourist Landscapes in Coastal Areas: Case Study of Tourism in Malaysia

Abstract

The development of both natural and built heritage for tourism has been part of national agendas particularly in Southeast Asia. Coastal resort developments have sprung up throughout the region. Not only do these tourist attractions seek to compete with those that have been developed among other countries in the region but many have been created to ‘outdo’ other similar resort developments within the same country. This appears to be especially characteristic of coastal resort developments in Malaysia. The following proposed case-study considers the development of coastal resorts in Malaysia with a focus on one – Pulau Langkawi – along the northwestern coast of Malaysia. Pulau Langkawi is one among the many island resorts that have been developed for tourism. Along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the most important resorts include Pulau Langkawi, Penang Island and Pangkor Island. In the east coast area, island resorts include Pulau Tioman, the Perhentian Islands and Pulau Redang.

Island resort development dates from 2,000 years ago when the Romans first developed the Isle of Capri as a holiday destination (Conlin and Baum 1995). ‘Confronted with a limited number of development options because of their isolation, small physical size and lack of resources, many islands regard tourism as a panacea for their economic difficulties despite the pervasive negative economic, social and environmental impacts that are often associated with island tourism’ (Tan 2000, p. 43). In the discussion, the dilemmas of development that have emerged concern the failure to reconcile local heritage, both natural and built, with the construction of tourist attractions. While there is a strong effort to ‘sell’ the natural beauty of the island resort, the developments are damaging beaches and other nature areas. Little consciousness has also been displayed by planning officials of the links that exist between the biodiversity and wildlife to be found on the islands and natural heritage generally. The prospects for a more sustainable agenda in tourism development therefore, appear rather bleak. Relevant authorities in Malaysia seem to be focused on attracting as many consumers as possible to the products, that is, the islands with their natural attractions since the resources sought by tourists – sun, sea and sand – are regarded as renewable, abundant and also inexpensive or cost relatively little to provide (Milne 1990).