Ninth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies

Abstract

This paper explores the roles and strategies contributing to the sustainability of geoparks as tourist attractions. Heritage conservation, economic development and community involvement are the three vital aspects in geopark development. The geopark areas present extensive opportunities for the local community to participate in tourism businesses and yield economic benefits. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of insights into the roles and strategies employed by the local community for the sustainable development of the geopark as a tourist attraction. Employing an inductive qualitative research approach, interviews were conducted with a total of forty respondents across three districts within the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark from June to September 2023. Thematic data analysis revealed emerging themes from the interview responses. Findings underscore the pivotal role of community engagement and collaboration in ensuring the sustainable development of geoparks within their respective districts. Other identified roles encompass the significance of enforcement, conservation, and environmental protection, as well as the crucial role of raising awareness and involvement in sustainable training and employment opportunities within the community. A spectrum of strategies aimed at fostering sustainable geopark development emerged, including cooperation and collaboration within the community and with other agencies, cultivation of competent human capital, promotion and development of tourism, creation of employment opportunities, and the implementation of training and awareness programs. These insights contribute valuable implications for government agencies, providing a foundation for strengthening the sustainability of geoparks and their promotion as tourist destinations.