Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of indigenous people towards tourism development and the factors that influence their perceptions of the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism. Design/methodology/approach: This study will focus on the perceptions of an aboriginal group indigenous to Malaysia, and draws upon a sample of 272 from the Lower Kinabatangan region of Sabah, Malaysia. Respondents were administered a questionnaire, the results of which were analysed by way of partial least squares–structural equation modelling. Findings: The results indicate a significant positive effect for economic gain on the perceived economic and environmental impacts of tourism, and of community involvement on the perception of social impacts. Moreover, the study found that the perception of environmental impacts, followed by perceived economic impacts, had a strong effect on support for tourism development. Originality/value: This study makes a significant theoretical contribution to the resident perception literature by investigating how the perception of tourism impacts affects indigenous residents’ support for tourism development. Furthermore, this study describes a number of practical implications of this study for the promotion of sustainable tourism development among indigenous residents.

Effective conservation measures are essential to protect nature and wildlife which act as flagship attraction for ecotourism to flourish. The study focuses on conservation management of natural forests and wildlife by multiple stakeholders in Lower Kinabatangan Sabah. Rare and endangered wildlife species is the main attraction for ecotourism development in this area. The study employed a mixed method research by integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Analyses revealed contradictory findings whereby local indigenous communities were unaware about progress of established Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and thereby requested for enhancing current conservation management. However, other stakeholders reported that the sanctuary fulfilled its objectives. The study further proposed solutions to improve current conservation by considering the viewpoints of all stakeholders involved in conservation initiatives in the Lower Kinabatangan Sabah.

The state of Sabah is rich in unique and interesting natural resources, history, festivals and culture. This diversity of products and attractions has led to an increase in domestic and international tourist arrivals to the state. This article aims to examine the payment rates and tourist willingness to pay those who visit different tourist destinations in Kundasang-Ranau and Kota Belud, Sabah. The evaluation and case study research methods were used in this study. In this study, the evaluation and case study research methods were applied. A total of 150 people took part in this study, who visited a variety of tourist attractions in Kundasang-Ranau. There were 93 respondents in Kota Belud who took part in the study. The findings show that all the tourist destinations in Kundasang-Ranau charge visitors an entrance fee. Only five tourist attractions in Kota Belud require an entry fee. In Kota Belud, all designated tourist places charge a service fee, but in Kundasang-Ranau, only a few charges a service fee to tourists. The survey's findings also revealed that most respondents in both study locations considered the fee charged was appropriate in comparison to the services provided by the tourist attractions visited. In summary, the desire to pay among the respondents questioned was impacted by payment rates at tourist destinations in both locations.

National parks serve as rural ecotourism attractions, even though this area is very fragile. Therefore, conservation management must be implemented to ensure the balance of the environment is maintained. This study aims to study the relationship between park management, issues and tourist satisfaction in a protected area, Kinabalu Park. Moreover, this study considers the mediating role of environmental issues on the relationship between park management and tourist satisfaction. Overall, 351 respondents agreed to participate. A questionnaire survey was administered to visitors of Malaysia’s Kinabalu National Park. In total, 351 completed questionnaires were returned and have been analysed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the resultant data using SmartPLS 2.0. The results showed that park management has a strong effect on tourist satisfaction and environmental issues. The results also revealed that environmental issues play a mediating role in the relationship between park management and tourist satisfaction. The findings of this study make a significant contribution to our current understanding of the importance of park management, especially in the protected area as well as addressing the existing issues and provide positive satisfaction to tourists. Through the results, it will significantly contribute to the conservation and management of the protected area to be more sustainable in the future.