The present study investigates the perception of local communities and obtains the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism development in Terengganu, Malaysia. Two ecotourism places of Terengganu namely Lake Kenyir and Sekayu Recreational Forest had purposively been chosen for study. A non-probability convenience sampling was adopted for sample selection and a structured questionnaire was administered among 310 respondents to investigate the perception of the local communities. Factor analysis was done to identify the latent constructs and a theoretical Structural Equation Model (SEM) was proposed and tested. Results show that employment opportunities, homestay accommodations, and community participation are some positive socio-economic impacts of ecotourism development. Moreover, degradation of natural resources and break-up of religious traditions have been identified as negative socio-economic impacts. To ensure sustainable ecotourism development and endure the maximum benefit to the local communities, these negative impacts should be minimized. Encouragement should be given to local communities to accelerate the positive impacts of ecotourism.

Purpose: Heritage tourism is recognized as one of the major factors for influencing national identities to the tourists through highlighting the connection between built and live heritages. Bangladesh is a country of treasure for heritage attractions. Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil are two famous Muslim heritage sites in Dhaka city. This study aims to measure the tourists’ satisfaction with these two attractions. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a non-probability convenience sampling technique to collect the primary data. A total of 100 tourists have been selected from both study areas, and primary data are collected through a structured questionnaire. A summated Likert Scale is used to obtain the tourists’ perception of five dimensions – attraction, information, staff and access, environment and facilities and satisfaction levels. Later, multiple regression analysis is used to identify the tourists’ satisfaction-related dimensions of the study sites. Findings: The results reveal that four dimensions, namely, attraction, information, staff and access and environment are statistically significantly related to tourists’ satisfaction. Whereas, beta value for facilities dimension was found statistically insignificant. It implies that tourists’ are not satisfied with the information regarding the study sites, and observed facilities seem to be insufficient to meet the perception of the tourists. Practical implications: The study suggests that recruitment of trained staffs, undertake programs to preserve and maintain the quality of attractions, proper promotional activities, well-kept and cleaning arrangements and improved facilities and services are essential to increase the tourists’ satisfaction in Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil heritage sites. Originality/value: Dhaka city is famous for mosques and other Muslim heritages. Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil are two famous Muslim heritages sites in Dhaka city attracting huge tourists from home and abroad. In this paper, an investigation is carried out to measure the tourists’ satisfaction with these two attractions based on their perceptions.