IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bcp/journl/v8y2024i12p2332-2343.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Evaluating Culture as the Key Determinant of Tourist Arrivals in East Coast Malaysia

Author

Listed:
  • Hazrin Izwan Che Haron@Shafiee

    (Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia)

  • Mohd Sadad Mahmud

    (Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia)

  • Hamdy Abdullah

    (Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia)

  • Sheikh Ahmad Faiz Sheikh Ahmad Tajuddin

    (Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia)

Abstract

This study investigates the role of cultural factors in attracting tourists to East Coast Malaysia, examining how culture, alongside facilities, infrastructure, strategies, and policies, influences tourist arrivals. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 386 tourists staying at 3-star and above hotels in Terengganu, Pahang, and Kelantan through a stratified random sampling technique. The survey, conducted in Malay and English, covered socio-demographics, tourist expectations, facilities, infrastructure, strategies, local culture, and policies. Data analysis via SPSS and AMOS revealed that culture is the most significant determinant of tourist arrivals (ß=0.282), with cultural events and festivals enhancing tourism appeal and community identity. Facilities, infrastructure, policies, and strategies followed in significance. While perceptions of these factors were consistent across local and international tourists, cultural factors were rated significantly higher, highlighting their critical role in tourism. The study emphasizes preserving and promoting cultural heritage as a means to boost tourism, suggesting community involvement and effective marketing strategies to sustain growth. Despite its focus on East Coast Malaysia, which may limit generalizability, this research provides valuable insights into leveraging cultural heritage to enhance tourism appeal and competitiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Hazrin Izwan Che Haron@Shafiee & Mohd Sadad Mahmud & Hamdy Abdullah & Sheikh Ahmad Faiz Sheikh Ahmad Tajuddin, 2024. "Evaluating Culture as the Key Determinant of Tourist Arrivals in East Coast Malaysia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(12), pages 2332-2343, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:8:y:2024:i:12:p:2332-2343
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-8-issue-12/2332-2343.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/evaluating-culture-as-the-key-determinant-of-tourist-arrivals-in-east-coast-malaysia/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Muyan Tang & Hongzhang Xu, 2023. "Cultural Integration and Rural Tourism Development: A Scoping Literature Review," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 4(1), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Mohajan, Haradhan, 2020. "Quantitative Research: A Successful Investigation in Natural and Social Sciences," MPRA Paper 105149, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 15 Nov 2020.
    3. Bang Nguyen Viet & Huu Phuc Dang & Ho Hai Nguyen, 2020. "Revisit intention and satisfaction: The role of destination image, perceived risk, and cultural contact," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(1), pages 1796249-179, January.
    4. Sakshi & Shashi & Roberto Cerchione & Harbhajan Bansal, 2020. "Measuring the impact of sustainability policy and practices in tourism and hospitality industry," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(3), pages 1109-1126, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Mohajan, Haradhan, 2021. "Cradle to Cradle is a Sustainable Economic Policy for the Better Future," MPRA Paper 111334, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 10 Oct 2021.
    2. Fatin Nabilah Roselan & Zazaleena Zakariah & Nawal Abdul Razak & Juhaida Ismail & Rozeleenda Abdul Rahman, 2024. "Assessing Relationship of Student Learning Experiences and Academic Performances in Higher Education through Online Learning Platforms," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(8), pages 4203-4212, August.
    3. Farzana Riva & Solon Magrizos & Mohammad Rabiul Basher Rubel, 2021. "Investigating the link between managers' green knowledge and leadership style, and their firms' environmental performance: The mediation role of green creativity," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(7), pages 3228-3240, November.
    4. Mohajan, Devajit & Mohajan, Haradhan, 2023. "The Responses of an Organization for the Increase in Wage Rates: Profit Maximization Cases," MPRA Paper 118238, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 10 Jun 2023.
    5. Mohajan, Devajit & Mohajan, Haradhan, 2023. "Glaserian Grounded Theory and Straussian Grounded Theory: Two Standard Qualitative Research Approaches in Social Science," MPRA Paper 117017, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 20 Feb 2023.
    6. Yuliviona Reni & Zakuan Norhayati & Jadmiko Purbo & Azliyanti Elfitra & Kamener Dahliana & Wati Linda, 2025. "Enhancing Tourist Experience to Strengthen Revisit Intention in Adventure and Sustainable Tourism," Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism, Sciendo, vol. 32(1), pages 31-38.
    7. Dina Naaman & Figen Yeşilada & Iman Aghaei, 2025. "A Moderated Mediation Analysis of Lebanon’s Food Consumers’ Green Purchasing Intentions: A Path Towards Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-19, February.
    8. Mohajan, Devajit & Mohajan, Haradhan, 2022. "Sensitivity Analysis among Commodities and Prices: A Utility Maximization Perception," MPRA Paper 116232, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 15 Dec 2022.
    9. Ali Nawaz Khan & Naseer Abbas Khan, 2022. "The nexuses between transformational leadership and employee green organisational citizenship behaviour: Role of environmental attitude and green dedication," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(3), pages 921-933, March.
    10. Bodur S. Alonazi & Thowayeb H. Hassan & Mostafa A. Abdelmoaty & Amany E. Salem & Mahmoud I. Saleh & Mohamed Y. Helal & Yasser Ahmed Mohamed & Magdy Sayed Abuelnasr & Daniel Alemshet Gebreslassie & Mon, 2023. "Tourist Behavior in the Cruise Industry Post-COVID-19: An Examination of Service Quality, Corporate Image, and Intentions to Pay and Revisit," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-21, May.
    11. Mvaa, Blandina & CPA Msheri, Faiza, 2023. "The Moderating Effect of Virtual System Upgrades in The Effect of Electronic Fiscal Devices on Value Added Tax Collections in Tanzania: The Case of Kinondoni Tax Region," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(9), pages 1243-1251, September.
    12. Mohajan, Devajit & Mohajan, Haradhan, 2023. "Families of Grounded Theory: A Theoretical Structure for Novel Researchers," MPRA Paper 116752, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 24 Jan 2023.
    13. Francesco Cappa & Stefano Franco & Federica Rosso, 2022. "Citizens and cities: Leveraging citizen science and big data for sustainable urban development," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(2), pages 648-667, February.
    14. Mohajan, Haradhan, 2022. "An Overview on the Feminism and Its Categories," MPRA Paper 114625, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 02 Jul 2022.
    15. Mohajan, Devagit & Mohajan, Haradhan, 2022. "Profit Maximization Strategy in an Industry: A Sustainable Procedure," MPRA Paper 114675, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 21 Jun 2022.
    16. Mohajan, Devajit & Mohajan, Haradhan, 2023. "Economic Investigation of Lagrange Multiplier if Cost of Inputs and Budget Size of a Firm Increase: A Profit Maximization Endeavor," MPRA Paper 117993, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 07 May 2023.
    17. Mohajan, Devajit & Mohajan, Haradhan, 2023. "Mathematical Model for Nonlinear Budget Constraint: Economic Activities on Increased Budget," MPRA Paper 117299, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 17 Mar 2023.
    18. Sanja Obradović & Vladimir Stojanović & Aleksandra Tešin & Ivan Šećerov & Milana Pantelić & Dragan Dolinaj, 2022. "Memorable Tourist Experiences in National Parks: Impacts on Future Intentions and Environmentally Responsible Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-22, December.
    19. Jolanta BIENKOWSKA & Czesław SIKORSKI, 2024. "Integrating qualitative and quantitative methods: a balanced approach to management research," Eastern Journal of European Studies, Centre for European Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, vol. 15, pages 345-360, June.
    20. Shufen GUO & Zhifang Wu & Ludi Wen, 2022. "Urban Residents’ Acceptance Intention to Use Recycled Stormwater—An Examination of Values, Altruism, Social and Cultural Norms, and Perceived Health Risks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-16, February.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:8:y:2024:i:12:p:2332-2343. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Dr. Pawan Verma (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.