Influence of park governance on tourism development in Kinabalu Park, Malaysia Borneo

Kinabalu Park, Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site for natural heritage, demonstrates how evolving governance models can support sustainable tourism while addressing emerging challenges. A time-series study (2005–2014) reveals that integrating private sector involvement and local community participation enhances long-term sustainability by fostering capacity building and multi-stakeholder collaboration. However, profit-driven private sector motivations and growing visitor expectations for educational experiences pose new issues requiring closer attention. The research employed a pragmatic mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews involving park visitors, guides, porters, and staff, offering insights into balancing economic benefits, conservation, and visitor satisfaction in protected areas.

Goh, H. C. (2015). Influence of park governance on tourism development in Kinabalu Park, Malaysia Borneo. Sustainable Development and Planning VII, 1, 929–939. https://doi.org/10.2495/sdp150781