Strategic Approaches To Low-Carbon Tourism in Terengganu: Aligning Growth With Environmental Sustainability

Terengganu, a coastal state in Malaysia renowned for its marine biodiversity and heritage tourism, faces mounting environmental pressures from its rapidly growing tourism industry. This study investigates the tourism-related carbon footprint in Terengganu, emphasizing the key emission sources; transportation, accommodation, and waste management; and proposes actionable mitigation strategies grounded in stakeholder perspectives. Adopting a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with tourism operators, policymakers, environmental NGOs, and tourists to uncover systemic challenges and opportunities in transitioning toward sustainable practices. Findings reveal that diesel-powered ferry transport accounts for approximately 60% of tourism-related CO₂ emissions, followed by energy-inefficient hotels and limited sustainable waste management systems. Although tourists express willingness to adopt eco-friendly options, accessibility and affordability remain key barriers. The study also identifies a critical policy gap in enforcement and incentive mechanisms, impeding the adoption of renewable energy and low-emission technologies. Guided by the Triple Bottom Line and Stakeholder Theory, the research proposes an integrated strategy involving carbon taxation for high-emission resorts, solar energy subsidies, and electric ferry incentives. These measures are aligned with Malaysia’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The research contributes both theoretically and practically by demonstrating how stakeholder collaboration and policy reform can decouple tourism growth from environmental degradation. It offers a replicable model for other island and coastal destinations in Southeast Asia seeking climate-resilient tourism development.