The aim of this study is to measure tourist's satisfaction among international and domestic visitors while embarking for holiday in Pahang, Malaysia. Holiday Satisfaction model (HOLSAT) was utilized in this study in order to determine the gap between tourist's expectations and experiences based on 47 positive and negative attributes that were grouped into six categories namely; accessibility, accommodation, tourist amenities, tourist activities, food/meal and tourism attractions. The result was drawn from questionnaire survey of 389 international visitors and 259 domestic visitors who visited Pahang in 2010. The data were analyzed using matrices which shown the mean scores of expectations, the mean score of experience and the mean of difference between experience and expectation scores. The mean scores of expectation were then plotted against experience in a two dimensional map for positive and negative attributes. The t-test was performed to identify the significant result of each attributes at 1:1000 levels. The findings provide Pahang's tourism stakeholders with insights about the level of satisfactions among domestic tourists and call for better improvements strategies for future tourism development in Pahang

Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to examine the tourism life cycle of Langkawi Island, Malaysia. The paper seeks to investigate the stages of life cycle that the island has passed through and at what stage the island is in today. Design/methodology/approach: – The paper adopts Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle model as the research framework to describe the characteristics of each stage of the island’s tourism life cycle and determine the time scale of the stages. The evidence presented in the stages is derived from secondary sources dating from 1642 to present. Findings: – The findings indicate that the tourism life cycle in Langkawi Island has undergone four stages of development and that it is currently in the consolidation stage. Numerous characteristics suggested by Butler’s model for each stage are clearly discernible in the island’s tourism growth. The government serves as the major player and catalyst for tourism expansion in the island from one stage to the next. Practical implications: – It is hoped that the paper will contribute to a better understanding of how tourism and its market have evolved in Langkawi Island. The paper also provides insights on how future planning should be directed in more sustainable and responsible ways to position the island. Originality/value: – The paper delivers a comprehensive understanding on the tourism developmental process of Langkawi Island, besides facilitating the understanding of major fundamental causes and conditions and the accompanying transition in the stages. The paper also bridges the gaps in knowledge addressed in similar previous studies.

The hospitality and tourism industries are revolutionized by AI-powered personalization, enhancing guest experiences and boosting revenue. However, this advancement raises ethical concerns, notably around data privacy, transparency, guest consent, and potential algorithmic discrimination. This chapter discusses these issues, focusing on how algorithmic bias affects inclusivity in travel. It proposes mitigation strategies such as ethical frameworks, robust data security, and user control over personal information. Addressing bias through diverse datasets and human oversight is emphasized. The future of AI in hospitality requires balancing personalization with ethical considerations. Recommendations for stakeholders aim to ensure a responsible, sustainable future for AI-driven travel experiences.

The designation of George Town, Penang, along with Malacca, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) on July 7, 2008 was a boast achievement, particularly for Penangites and Malaysian generally. The status has elevated Penang to international status in terms of cultural heritage tourism and expected to draw more tourists to the area. The impacts of tourism to the local community are inevitable. Questions inevitably arise, particularly on whether the locals are aware of the listing and whether they care about this important listing. This paper examines the perceptions of George Town stakeholders on the WHS status of George Town. The study surveyed 196 respondents who reside and operate businesses in the core zone of George Town. The findings reveal that majority of the respondents are aware of George Town's status and think that such status would have a positive impact on local businesses, on the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings, and on the general well-being of George Town residents. Many agree that the restoration and conservation of heritage buildings are important in sustaining George Town's heritage status. Nevertheless, half of the respondents perceive that tourist activities could threaten the heritage values of George Town. Meanwhile, the level of stakeholder involvement in tourism planning and development is rather low. Only half of them are satisfied with the present management of heritage and tourism in George Town. This paper provides recommendations to assist the Penang State Government in the monitoring, maintenance, management, protection, and conservation of George Town to remain the status of World Heritage Site