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Eco-tour case study
In the early days of man’s origin, movement from place to place was solely in search of food and new localization.
This need grew insatiable in the areas of clothing, shelter, healthcare, recreation, economic growth, education, etc.
innovations in transportation and the new media also helped to escalate growth in the sector of tourism. Man’s
activities in the built up areas and advances in science and technology has led to serious environmental degradation
which poses a serious risk on our wellbeing on planet earth. Addressing this environmental issues contributed by
tourist activities each year, brought about the establishment of global sustainable tourism council (GSTC) and the
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Tourism is about putting people and the planet first.
This study investigates the architecture and design of Marang resort, Malaysia and how it addresses this trending
environmental issues. A further research was done to ascertain the project contribution to its local community,
environmental impact and the application of materials and method of construction. This Author concludes by
given recommendations for further research. The research method employed was document analysis, online
review and analysing of already published research on in the sector of sustainable tourism and eco-resorts.
Keywords: Sustainability, Tourism, Eco-tourism. Resort planning, Marang resort.
Introduction
In the last years, the interest in green and environmentally friendly products and services has increased
notably. The society is more concerned about the fragile environment and customers are willing to
spend more money on products that seem to help in protecting the environment. According to (Christof,
2001) nowadays “eco means big business”. In the tourism business terms like sustainable tourism,
ecotourism and alternative tourism are becoming popular. In this regard he mentions that the ecotourism segment is one of the fastest growing markets in the tourism sector. In this regard, the question
whether environmentally friendly products exist only to make money or if the producers/service
providers really want to support the environmental protection remains unanswered (Eggeling, 2010).
Sustainable Tourism has the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly, to the preservation of the
planet and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs-2030).
According to the World Tourism Organization, the amount of international arrivals is expected to
increase dramatically until 2020. The organization expects that 1.6 billion arrivals can be reached by
then but fell short of the target due to unexpected Covid-19 Pandemic towards the fall of 2019 through
- See Figure 1.1 for details.
“Around the world, in countries at all development levels, many millions of jobs and businesses are
dependent on a strong and thriving tourism sector. Tourism has also been a driving force in protecting
natural and cultural heritage, preserving them for future generations to enjoy”. (Zurab Pololikashvili,
2001) UNWTO Secretary-General.
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Figure 1.1 ‘UNWTO’ Tourism vision, 2020. Retrieved from (Eggeling, 2010) as originally cited in
UNWTO website.
Environmental concerns began to trend after the booming of industrial age. The concern arises due to
harmful effluents and discharges of industries output causing health problems and deterioration of
natural environment. Hospitality industry is among the industries which are posing negative impacts on
the environment. The cumulative impacts from all the small operation can be consider significant in
terms of resource consumption and if environmental management is not considered in operations, it can
leave a significant footprint in the environment.
“This crisis is an opportunity to rethink the tourism sector and its contribution to the people and planet;
an opportunity to build back better towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector
that ensure the benefits of tourism are enjoyed widely and fairly.” (Zurab Pololikashvili, 2001)
UNWTO Secretary-General.
Sustainable tourism is an industry which possesses the potential to fulfil different social-economic
needs, cultural needs, and serves as a catalyst for ensuring resilience and conservation of the natural
environment. Sustainable tourism, simultaneously promotes unity in diversity, environmental health,
cultural identity, eradication of poverty and leads to economic development while fostering shared
prosperity for all.
GSJ: Volume 9, Issue 4, April 2021
ISSN 2320-9186
166 GSJ© 2021
www.globalscientificjournal.com
Figure 1.1 the relation between sustainable tourism and sustainable development. Adapted from:
(Barazesh, 2011)
1.2 Aim
The aim of this research work is to investigate the various existing approach of best practices in Resort
planning and development and how it can be adopted for sustainability and revitalization of tourist
destinations.
1.3 Objectives
i. To study the factors relevant to architecture in Eco-Tourism resort planning and design for
sustainable development
ii. To make recommendations on appropriate architecture and design of Eco-Tourism resort for
sustainable design development.
iii. To explore how Marang resort conserved the environment through eco-tourism development.
1.4 Research questions
i. What are the factors relevant to architecture in Eco-Tourism resort planning and design for
sustainable development?
ii. What recommendations can be made for the appropriate architecture and design of Eco-Tourist
resorts?
iii. What design principles approach was used by the Architects and developers of Marang Resort
and Safari that qualifies it as a sustainable Eco-Tourism project?
1.6 Definition of Terms
a. Tourism: A social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people
to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional
purposes. These are called visitors which may be either tourists or excursionists; residents or
non-residents. Tourism has to do with their activities which imply tourism expenditure (United
Nations World Tourism Organization, 2008).
b. Alternative Tourism: Forms of Tourism generally characterized by small scale sustainable
activities.
c. Sustainable Development: Economic development that is conducted without depletion of
natural resources. Another definition of sustainable development comes from Farrell (1992)
who said that sustainable development is “the need to find a balance in the development system
between economy, environment, and society in such a way that no aspect outweighs another
one, in other words that the three aspects are equal. Figure 2.1 summarizes the theoretical
framework of sustainable development and tourism.
d. Eco-tourist: people who require environmentally compatible recreational opportunities, where
nature rather than humanity predominates. According to the International Ecotourism
Society, Eco tourists are experienced travellers who are more likely to have a college/university
degree and have a higher income bracket. Eco tourists are expecting discovery and
enlightenment from their ecotourism experience. Personal growth in emotional, spiritual, as
well as intellectual terms, appear to be expected outcomes from ecotourism travel for the
majority of these travellers.
According to “The Brundtland Report” in 1983, the World Commission on Environment and
Development (WCED), convened by the United Nations (UN), published Our Common Future. The
WCED was created to address the growing global concern over the accelerating deterioration of natural
resources and the human environment. In the report, sustainability is defined as “development that
meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs” (WCED, 1987). Since then all the nation have clear targets to reduce pollution from their
industries using the concept of sustainability. This report placed environmental issues firmly on the
GSJ: Volume 9, Issue 4, April 2021
ISSN 2320-9186
167 GSJ© 2021
www.globalscientificjournal.com
UN’s political agenda. The report concluded that long-term economic growth could only be achieved
with the sustainable use of environmental resources; hence, the term “sustainable development” was
coined (WCED, 1987). The report offers five basic principles of sustainability according to (Bramwell
& Bernard, 1993): - Holistic planning and strategy making.
- Preservation of essential ecological processes.
- Protection of human heritage and biodiversity.
- Development that fosters long-term productivity sustainable for future generations.
- The goal of achieving a better balance of equity among nations.
2.0 Literature Review
Tourism can be a force for good in our World; playing a part in protecting our planet and its
biodiversity and celebrating what makes us human. From discovering new places and cultures, to
connecting with new people and experiences.