The impact of tourism development on beach destination: Case study of Cenang Beach, Langkawi

• Main Authors: Ibrahim, Johan Afendi, Abdul Razak, Norhanim, Ahmad, Mohamad Zaki
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: G Geography (General)
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/7110/1/Jo.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/7110/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

Visitation to Langkawi cannot be considered as complete tour if Pantai Cenang is not been included into itinerary.The beauty of its shore and sand attracts most tourist to do recreation activities there, mostly at the school and general holiday period.Large portion of incoming tourist, have encouraged business activities of local service providers to offer accommodation, supermarket and other related businesses to cater the tourist needs.Currently, Pantai Cenang is become well known to tourist especially on the night where tourist spent most of their night to dine, shop and entertain.Tourism development brings dual effects (positive and negative) to the economy, social and environment of that respective destination.Unique and identical resource contributes to the attractiveness of that destination.In relation, tourism industry encourages government participation in infrastructure and land used policy making, investment from private institution in providing quality services and facilities and also inclusion of local community in such development where it would boost their socioeconomic status.However, negative effect of tourism development cannot be excluded from local destination and must be prioritized same as its counterpart.Pollution, crimes, social problems and outsider's benefits could easily pose a thread to destination in long term.Recently, lots negative issues emerge and have been discussed by parties regarding to Pantai Cenang, such pollution, uncontrollable alcohol selling, improper development of premises, congestion, insufficient parking lot, cleanliness, absent of public beach, and lastly, public facilities.These circumstances could cause uncomfortable situation for tourist, in turn, tarnish the image of Pantai Cenang and especially Langkawi Island.This paperwork intend to discuss about destination development background, policy and program initiated by government, current land-used, tourist characteristics and activities, facilities and services provided, destination evolution and problems.Moreover, it also discuss about conflict between stakeholders especially private sector with local community, in the tourism development of Pantai Cenang.