To Close or Sustain? Resilience Strategies of Community-Based Ecotourism Entrepreneurs in Kelantan

Abstract

Community-Based Ecotourism (CBE) plays an important role in strengthening local economies by generating income, promoting conservation, and preserving cultural identity. However, many CBE efforts in developing regions such as Kelantan, Malaysia, continue to face economic uncertainty, limited resources, and external disruptions that challenge their long-term sustainability. The study aimed to examine the resilience strategies adopted by CBE entrepreneurs in sustaining their livelihoods and enterprises amidst these challenges. Using a qualitative single case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observations, and document analysis to explore adaptation practices among CBE entrepreneurs. These findings reveal that these entrepreneurs are using digitalization to expand market access, adopt cost control measures to maintain financial stability, and implement environmentally sustainable practices to protect local ecosystems. Their resilience is further supported by strong community cooperation and external assistance from government agencies and non-governmental organizations that provide institutional resources and support. This study contributes to the understanding of resilience in community-based entrepreneurship by highlighting the interaction between social, economic, and institutional factors. These findings provide practical insights to policymakers and development practitioners in designing targeted interventions and support mechanisms that enhance the adaptive capacity and sustainability of rural tourism enterprises in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

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