Community perception of river tourism development on the Petagas river, Malaysia – Lessons for Can Tho City

Abstract

Unpolluted rivers with protected riverbanks provide significant opportunities for tourism development. In recent decades, there has been growing interest in rivers as tourism resources. Globally, the demand for river cruises and water sports has increased rapidly, along with the development of riverbanks for tourism purposes such as accommodation, dining, and shopping. However, the attitudes and perceptions of the local community play a crucial role in developing a successful river tourism resource. The aim of this study is to investigate your perceptions as a local resident regarding the development of river tourism on the Petagas River in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 79 riverside residents to understand your views on the development of river tourism, assess your potential participation in such activities, and identify issues you believe could hinder tourism development. The findings show that while you generally support tourism development, you also recognize the need to restore the river ecosystem and to change several current uses of the river.